Why is it illegal to point a laser at an airplane?

Laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety. Intentionally aiming lasers at aircrafts poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.

Can a laser cause a plane to crash?

Lasers can blind pilots and cause the aircraft to crash, and aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal felony offense.

Why do lasers blind pilots?

Laser light in the pilot’s eyes causes glare (inability to see past the light). At higher power levels, it can also cause temporary flashblindness and afterimages (like when you look at a bright camera flash, and cannot see for a many seconds afterwards).

Is shining a laser at a plane Illegal?

In the United States, there is a federal law that makes it illegal to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, or the flight path of an aircraft.

Is pointing a laser at a plane a felony?

What happens if you point a green laser at a plane?

“These laser strikes can imperil the aircraft, because it can disorient the pilot on takeoff or landing. They can be temporarily blinded. It’s like being in a dark car and then having a flash bulb go off,” she says. “It’s extremely dangerous, it’s a federal crime, and we take it seriously.”

How many laser strikes have been reported against aircraft last year?

Last year, 3,960 laser strikes against aircraft were reported. The FBI will offer up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of any individual who intentionally aims a laser at an aircraft.

Are Lasers a safety risk to aircraft?

The FAA remains vigilant in its campaign to heighten public awareness of the serious safety risk posed by lasers pointed at aircraft. However, laser strikes increased in 2020 despite a lower number of air traffic operations. The FAA reported 9,723 laser incidents in 2021, up from 6,852 in 2020.

Is it a federal crime to point a laser at an aircraft?

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. The FAA remains vigilant in its campaign to heighten public awareness of the serious safety risk posed by lasers pointed at aircraft. However, laser strikes increased in 2020 despite a lower number of air traffic operations. The FAA reported 6,852 laser incidents in 2020, up from 6,136 in 2019.

How many laser accidents have been reported in 2020?

The FAA reported 6,852 laser incidents in 2020, up from 6,136 in 2019. This is the highest reported number of incidents since 2016. Laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety. Intentionally aiming lasers at aircrafts poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law.