Campaign Seeks To Illuminate Consequences of Illegal Laser Attacks on Aircraft Cockpits

The Air Line Pilots Association International, FBI and FAA have jointly launched a campaign across 12 U.S. cities to raise public awareness about the consequences of illegal laser attacks on aircraft cockpits. Reports of aircraft laser illuminations in the U.S. have increased sharply over the past few years (partially fueled by an FAA website set up to report such incidents), from 2,836 in 2010 to 3,960 in 2013. Such attacks are a federal crime punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years’ imprisonment. The campaign will raise awareness about aircraft laser-illumination threats via public service announcements, billboards and press events.