WASHINGTON - The number of laser strikes against aircraft — a serious safety threat — topped all previous records in 2021. The Federal Aviation Administration received 9,723 reports from pilots last year, a 41 percent increase over 2020. Many types of high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots. Pilots have reported 244 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010, Politico reports. Continue reading original article.
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11 Feb. 2022 - The FAA says that shining a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety threat. Many types of high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 244 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010.
People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. The FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021. Violators can also face criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
