I made this comment in 2003 (search crude laser)
“I wondered years ago if the entire CB might be LASEing. The core would be a very crude laser, but with the surfeit of power available and a tube of plasma/gasses who knows.”
I would be surprised to hear that one had been seen from an aircraft, as I was under the impression that they were undiscovered prior to satellite photography—but I’m not sure.
Following the BBC program, I phoned the physicist on call, and suggested this idea. He was dismissive at first, but after some argument was not so sure. I remain intrigued