Laser strikes are a serious threat to aviation, with the FAA recording nearly 13,000 such incidents last year in the U.S. Effects on flight crews from these strikes range from a mild annoyance to serious injury or incapacitation. To the latter point, the FAA has reported 328 serious eye injuries to pilots caused by aircraft laser strikes since 2010.
Fueling this problem are low-cost, high-powered lasers that are easily purchased on the internet. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. According to the FAA, people who shine a laser at an aircraft can face fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple events. Additionally, violators can face criminal penalties from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Some prosecutors now favor a five-year sentence in a federal prison.
In a recent case, a Texas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for pointing a laser at a police helicopter. In Washington state, another individual was arrested for shining a laser on a Horizon Air aircraft in Seattle; charges include second-degree assault, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal trespass, and second-degree unlawful discharge of a laser.
According to FAA data, most laser strikes occur at night between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Most events occur below 10,000 feet during the initial climb or during an approach. States with the highest number of strikes include California, Texas, and Florida.
Eye Injuries
Laser strikes are most dangerous at night when a pilot’s eyes have adjusted to the darkness. Eyes adjust by converting light into electrical signals through photosensitive cells called rods and cones. At night, eyes are very sensitive to light, making them more susceptible to laser strikes.
Lasers emit a very narrow beam of light concentrated on one spot, causing damage to a pilot’s cornea. A direct hit from a laser is powerful enough to burn the cornea, causing temporary blindness or permanent eye damage. An indirect laser strike can bounce off the windshield and light up the flight deck. Regardless, a laser strike near the ground—during a critical phase of flight—negatively impacts flight safety.
In addition to serious eye injuries, laser strikes can startle the pilots during takeoff, approach, and landing, as well as cause flash blindness, glare, and/or disorientation.
A pilot encountering a laser strike should avoid the temptation of looking directly at the laser beam. If affected, consider transferring control to the other pilot or engaging the autopilot. In addition, it is recommended to avoid rubbing the eye after a laser strike, as this can cause further damage to the cornea.
After the strike, report the following to air traffic control (ATC): callsign, location, laser color, duration, injury, or need for assistance. This information is helpful for other pilots in the area and law enforcement.
Personal Experience and a Rapid Response
Late last month, I was operating a cargo airplane to a regional airport in the U.S. Midwest. On an 8-mile final, a blue laser lit up our flight deck.
The captain shouted, “What was that?” Moments later, another burst of light shone in the cockpit. My response, “It’s a laser—don’t look.”
Shortly afterwards, I reported the event to ATC, providing the location and color of the laser. The position of the laser was approximately 2 miles from our location, in a very dark area, just south of an intersection.
The controller acknowledged the report and asked if there were any injuries. I replied, “No injuries, just annoyed.” After a pause, I added, “I just wish that we could shoot back.” The controller laughed, agreed, and said, “Each of these events adds to the paperwork.”
After landing and upon securing the aircraft, law enforcement entered the aircraft. The officer, wearing tactical gear, shared an image of a map (with our flight path) on his smartphone that highlighted the suspected location of the event based on our description to ATC. He nailed it. The officer described the area as a state park and mentioned that he’d already dispatched additional officers to that location.
From my experience, the number of laser strikes on aircraft is probably underreported. For me, as a cargo pilot (flying predominantly at night), I experience a laser strike once every three to four months.
Again, shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense. The common question about laser strikes is, “What’s in it for the person shining the laser at an aircraft?” There are no rewards—only negative outcomes. Personally, I don’t get it. The offender, if prosecuted, faces significant fines and imprisonment. It’s definitely not a risk worth taking.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by AIN Media Group.