The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently released an annual summary of reported laser strike incidents in 2019 showing there were 6,136 reports of people on the ground shining easily-obtained laser pointers at aircraft. According to the FAA, the availability of inexpensive laser devices for sale in stores and online is contributing to the problem, with lasers having stronger power levels giving lawbreakers the ability to hit aircraft at higher altitudes. Many of the reports were green-colored lasers, which are more visible to the human eye than red lasers.
FAA Reports Laser Strike Incidents Increased in 2019
Key Takeaways:
- Laser strike incidents on aircraft remain a serious and growing safety threat, with 6,136 reports in 2019, an 8% increase from 2018, primarily due to the availability of inexpensive, powerful laser pointers.
- The FAA considers pointing lasers at aircraft a federal offense that poses a significant safety risk to pilots, potentially causing eye damage and endangering flights.
- Authorities pursue severe civil penalties (up to $11,000 per violation, $30,800 for multiple) and criminal charges (including federal prison sentences) against offenders, with the FAA adopting a strict no-warning policy for violations.
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