After a record number of laser strikes in 2021, the GAO is calling on the FAA to improve its efforts to curb the impact on pilots. [Courtesy: NBAA]
Key Takeaways:
Laser incidents against aircraft reached a record high of 9,723 in 2021, a 41% increase from 2020, prompting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to call for more FAA action.
The GAO found the FAA has been ineffective in prosecuting offenders (acting against only 99 of 232 from 2016-2020) and collecting complete data due to low pilot reporting rates and lengthy questionnaires.
Pilots often fail to complete voluntary incident reports (only 12% in one period), and the FAA doesn't consistently share information with law enforcement or provide Congress with a full picture of investigations and enforcement actions.
The GAO recommends the FAA improve pilot reporting, optimize data collection, ensure complete congressional reporting, and establish an interagency working group with the FBI and FDA to better address laser incidents.
After pilots and air traffic controllers reported a record high of 9,723 laser incidents against aircraft in 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is calling on the FAA to do more to curb this dangerous trend.
In an August 18th report to Congress, the nonpartisan congressional watchdog group, essentially told the FAA enough is enough.
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Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.
