Artistic depiction of a laser attack on an aircraft during an approach at night. Due to a potential ... [+]
The Federal Aviation Administration has reported that the number of dangerous laser strikes broke records in 2023. Pilots reported 13,304 laser strike incidents to the FAA last year, 41% more than in 2022 and over 468% higher than when the FAA began keeping records in 2010 (2,837).
In December alone, the FAA recorded 1,392 reports of laser strikes, an average of 36 per day. California was the state where the highest number of laser strikes occurred last year. Accounting for 14.07% of all incidents (1,871). The second-highest reported strikes occurred in Texas (1,410), and Florida was in third place with 916 incidents.
During Super Bowl Sunday last year, the FAA launched an investigation into two incidents of laser lights striking commercial aircraft in Phoenix Sky Harbor.
A Serious Threat During Critical Phases Of Flight
When individuals on the ground shine lasers at planes flying overhead, they put aircraft and the people on the ground around them at risk. High-powered lasers can interfere with pilots—distracting, disorienting, or even temporarily blinding them—during critical phases of flight. The highest number of laser strikes occurs at low altitudes when pilots are busy with take-off or landing procedures. According to FAA data, 9,652 laser incidents occurred below 10,000 feet last year.
“The FAA is committed to maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and the ground at risk,” said FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker.
Lasers Put Pilots at Risk
Lasers can also cause lasting harm to pilots, with 313 injuries reported to the FAA since 2010 and 34 injuries reported last year.
The Allied Pilots Association notes that lasers can be dangerous even if unintended. For example, laser light shows and holiday decorations with laser lights should never point at the skies where aircraft may fly over.
Laser strikes are a global problem; other regulators have drawn attention to the dangers. Following action from the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority and messaging from the British Airline Pilots Association, the incident rate has moderated somewhat in the U.K. from a peak of 1,912 incidents reported in 2011 to 1,045 reported in 2022.
In the U.S., shining lasers at aircraft can be fined up to $11,000 per violation, and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Those responsible could also face criminal charges.
“Like many crimes, there's a need for education, outreach, and cooperation from the public to address this safety risk. We encourage you to report laser strikes to the FAA via our website or to your local law enforcement agency,” said Whitaker.
US Air Force Introduces Laser-Proof Eye Protection for Aircrew
Laser strikes also plague military aircraft, with the U.S. Air Force reporting “a sudden surge” in laser incidents.
The Human Systems Division of the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center announced last November that it will distribute tens of thousands of protective eyewear devices to aircrew. These new eyewear devices will protect against laser threats and introduce a combined laser and ballistic protection capability for the first time.
“The health of the eye is so important to our pilots,” said Captain Pete Coats, lead program manager for the Human Systems Division’s Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Program. “The consequences of getting lasered without having proper protection could not only prevent the pilot from flying and landing an aircraft safely, but it could also cost them their career. So, our goal is to ensure the right eyewear is available to everyone.”
Air Force aircrew will receive over 42,000 eyewear devices by 2027, including day and night spectacles, ballistics spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. The level of protection will depend on the mission.
