“Do not shine at aircraft.” The next time you buy a laser, don’t be surprised if these words appear on it, as the FAA is requesting laser manufacturers and distributors add this warning on a label to prevent laser strikes.
“Lasers may seem like just a toy, office tool, or game for most, but they can incapacitate pilots putting thousands of passengers at risk every year. People need to be aware that pointing a laser at an airplane is a federal crime,” says Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen.
In a letter to laser manufacturers, Nolen writes, “We need your help to combat this serious issue. The FAA requests that you add a warning label to your packaging to make consumers aware of the safety risks and federal laws when using lasers.”
Nolen suggests the message reads: “Pointing a laser at an aircraft threatens pilots, and it is a federal crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies and the FAA may seek criminal and civil prosecution against violators. Don’t shine this laser at aircraft.”
For manufacturers that already have a warning on the laser packaging, the FAA asks the company to make the warning more prominent, as “placing information directly in the hands of individuals ensures everyone knows the risk—and the penalties—of pointing lasers at aircraft.”
Laser Strikes Can Lead to Pilot Injury
The FAA has a web page titled Lose the Laser devoted to providing information and statistics about laser safety. Pilots reported 9,500 laser strikes in 2022, which was down from 9,723 in 2021. According to the FAA, since 2010, some 278 pilots have reported an injury from a laser strike.
The FAA further breaks the information down by location and time. Most laser strikes happen when the aircraft is below 10,000 feet, often during the aircraft’s takeoff or landing phase. Laser incidents are most common between midnight and 5 a.m.
Pilots and aircrew are asked to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement as soon as possible.
Shining a laser at aircraft can result in FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes.
Report Laser Strikes
Pilots and aircrews who encounter laser strikes are requested to immediately report the incident to the local air traffic control per Advisory Circular 70-2A, “Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft.”
Upon arrival at the destination, pilots and crews are requested to complete the Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire, which is designed to provide information to law enforcement “to help identify and apprehend the responsible parties.”
For those who witness an individual aiming a laser at an aircraft, the FAA asks you to send an email to laserreports@faa.gov. The report should include your name, the date and time of the event, location, and description of the incident.
