Aircraft Laser Strikes Decline 23 Percent in Two Years

The FAA reported 5,663 aircraft laser incidents in 2018, down from 6,754 in 2017 and 7,398 in 2016, the year with the highest number of laser attacks reported. “Heightened public awareness of the serious safety risk posed by lasers reduced the total number of laser strikes for the second consecutive year,” according to the agency. However, the substantial number of reported incidents clearly shows that laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety, the FAA added.

Through video programs and other means, law enforcement agencies and the FAA have worked to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by lasers. Also, since 2012 it’s been a federal crime to aim a laser at an aircraft. The FAA determined that such an event violates Part 91.11: “No person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember’s duties on board an aircraft.”

As a result of this determination, stiff fines and jail time can be imposed to help discourage perpetrators. The crime is punishable by a fine of $11,000 per incident up to $250,000, and up to five years’ imprisonment. To date, the agency says civil penalties of up to $30,800 have been imposed by the FAA against individuals for multiple laser incidents. The FAA has published Advisory Circular 70-20A, which details how pilots and other crewmembers can report a laser illumination.