Laser strikes are a serious threat to aviation, with the FAA recording nearly 13,000 such incidents last year in the U.S. Effects on flight crews from these strikes range from a mild annoyance to serious injury or incapacitation. To the latter point, the FAA has reported 328 serious eye injuries to pilots caused by aircraft laser strikes since 2010.
Fueling this problem are low-cost, high-powered lasers that are easily purchased on the internet. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. According to the FAA, people who shine a laser at an aircraft can face fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple events. Additionally, violators can face criminal penalties from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Some prosecutors now favor a five-year sentence in a federal prison.
Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.
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