Also: USAF Pilots, Atlanta Tower Evac, Archer Spotlight Dissipates, Hop-A-Jet Sues A social-media call for people to point lasers at aircraft flying over Portland’s ICE facility led authorities to treat the post as a credible threat. Officials say the “laser event” could have endangered aircrew, forced medical-flight diversions, and disrupted routine policing of the area. The post invited participants to gather at multiple city locations at 2100 and shine handheld lasers at helicopters and other aircraft, calling them “spy planes.” Verijet has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with $10.5 million in unused jet card balances. The Florida-based charter and jet card operator has been in a downward spiral for years, most recently being hit with the passing of its founder, Richard Kane. Founded in 2020, Verijet bet big on the troubled single-engine Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet. As the government shutdown drags into the double digits, air traffic control facilities across the US are reporting growing staff shortages… and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is running out of patience. Eleven major airspace sectors were short on controllers to close out October 9, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Boston Center, and Orlando. All this — and MORE in today’s episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
