Laser Strikes Against Planes Reach Record Levels

Aircraft are increasingly being impacted by laser strikes.

The latest data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that laser strikes aimed at aircraft grew by a record 41 percent last year.

The FAA received 13,304 reports from pilots about such incidents, far eclipsing the figure from 2021. For each of the last five months of 2023, the number of laser strikes increased beyond the previous record high, which was set in November 2021.

Additionally, the total number of incidents in 2023 amounted to far more than the 28 percent increase in incidents that took place between 2016 and 2022, the Associated Press reported.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a video.

Laser strikes aimed at aircraft can have a variety of ramifications. For instance, the FAA said about 313 injuries have been reported by pilots since the incidents started being tracked 14 years ago.

The proliferation of laser attacks may be linked to the fact that lasers are increasingly available in stores and online and are cheap to purchase. The lasers being sold to consumers are also likely stronger than in year’s past and able to reach higher altitudes.

Those caught targeting planes with lasers face fines from the FAA. The fines start at $11,000 per violation and can run as high as $30,800. Those involved in laser incidents can also be charged criminally by federal, state, and local law enforcement.

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