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, posing significant safety risks to pilots.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the FAA for not doing enough to curb this trend, noting the agency took action against only a minority of identified offenders (99 out of 232 from 2016-2020).
The GAO found that FAA's enforcement efforts are hampered by low pilot report completion rates and inconsistent information sharing with law enforcement, leading to an incomplete picture of investigations.
The GAO recommends the FAA improve pilot questionnaire response rates, adhere to congressional reporting mandates, and establish an interagency working group with the FBI and FDA for better public outreach and enforcement.
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.
