You’re most likely to be affected by laser strikes at low altitudes, in critical phases of flight, and at night. [File Photo Courtesy: NBAA]
Key Takeaways:
The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions related to a significant increase in dangerous laser strikes on aircraft in Washington state, specifically near Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane airports.
These laser incidents, which have risen dramatically with 107 reported in Washington between January and March, can blind pilots and compromise aircraft landings, posing a severe safety risk.
Shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal felony punishable by up to $250,000 in fines and five years in prison, with the FAA also imposing substantial civil penalties.
The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people involved in laser incidents on aircraft in Washington state.
According to the agency, pilots on approach to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) and Spokane International Airport (KGEG) have reported a marked increase in the number of laser incidents.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
