Kerry Lynch stepped into the role of editor of the&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;monthly magazine in May 2022 after serving with&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;for eight years. She joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in December 2014 as a senior editor covering Washington and business aviation news. She has also served on Convention News teams, including as editor of&nbsp;HAI Convention News. Lynch previously spent 25 years with Aviation Week. During her time there, she reported for and later steered&nbsp;The Weekly of Business Aviation, oversaw business aviation content on the&nbsp;Aviation Week Intelligence Network, served on the&nbsp;Show News&nbsp;staff, and held roles as the Washington columnist for&nbsp;Business &amp; Commercial Aviation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Overhaul &amp; Maintenance&nbsp;monthly magazines. In 2021 she was honored with the National Business Aviation Association Platinum Wing Award for lifetime achievement in journalism and was the 2004 recipient of the National Air Transportation Association’s Aviation Journalism Excellence Award. She also has been a recipient of an Aerospace Media Award for business aviation (2022) and NBAA Gold Wing Award (2003, 2024). Lynch graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

Editor, AIN monthly magazine

Kerry Lynch

The FAA reported 5,663 aircraft laser incidents in 2018, down from 6,754 in 2017 and 7,398 in 2016, the year with the highest number of laser attacks reported. “Heightened public awareness of the serious safety risk posed by lasers reduced the total number of laser strikes for the second consecutive year,” according to the agency. However, the substantial number of reported incidents clearly shows that laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety, the FAA added.

 


Through video programs and other means, law enforcement agencies and the FAA have worked to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by lasers. Also, since 2012 it’s been a federal crime to aim a laser at an aircraft. The FAA determined that such an event violates Part 91.11: “No person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember’s duties on board an aircraft.”

 


As a result of this determination, stiff fines and jail time can be imposed to help discourage perpetrators. The crime is punishable by a fine of $11,000 per incident up to $250,000, and up to five years’ imprisonment. To date, the agency says civil penalties of up to $30,800 have been imposed by the FAA against individuals for multiple laser incidents. The FAA has published <a href="https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_70-2A.pdf">Advisory Circular 70-20A</a>, which details how pilots and other crewmembers can report a laser illumination.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Aircraft Laser Strikes Decline 23 Percent in Two Years

Heightened public awareness of the lasers' serious safety risks reduced the total number of laser strikes for the second consecutive year, the FAA said.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

NTSB’s Homendy expressed disappointment with vote, but Graves said committee is moving ahead on Alert Act

Eyes Turn to Alert Act after Rotor Act Fails in House

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Rebate path uncertain, along with future tariff possibilities

Aircraft Exempt from New U.S. Tariffs, but Future Unclear

Aerospace industry has grappled with tariffs and their unpredictability

Supreme Court Ruling Clouds White House Tariffs

Charlotte Bailey

Collaboration with Hindalco Industries to explore domestic production potential

Embraer Exploring Aluminum Manufacturing in India

White House threats over Gulfstream certificates highlight long-standing issue, leaders say

Industry Leaders Press on Cert, Validation Improvements

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

FAA is proposing new radio altimeter standards in tandem with spectrum allocations

NBAA, NATA Urge Assistance for Radio Altimeter Mandates

Amy Wilder

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

KDCA tragedy accelerated push for infrastructure upgrades

FAA Deputy Admin Rocheleau Says ATC Overhaul Is On Track

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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