The FBI has now stepped up its investigation into the aiming of laser beams at the cockpits of airplanes. At least one dozen such incidents have taken place since late last month causing concern for federal authorities.

The laser beam temporarily blinds pilots flying the plane, typically when they reach low altitudes. Thankfully, laser beams have not caused any accidents despite the increased danger and bad timing.

FBI officials thus far have ruled out any terrorist related causes to the incidents.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that they were going to instruct pilots on how to deal with laser beams being pointed at them to avoid future problems. Pilots will also be instructed on how to quickly notify authorities of these incidents.

A New Jersey man was arrested last week for pointing a laser beam at a plane. David Banach of Parsippany claims that he was using the pointer to show his child various stars in his backyard.

Earlier reports from the FBI and the Office of Homeland Security indicated that terrorists were exploring the use of laser beams in acts of terror. Incidents in Boise, Nashville, Cleveland, Medford, Oregon, New Jersey and Colorado Springs have all been deemed unrelated to terrorism.