Laser strikes on aircraft have surged by 41%: Here's how the FAA is taking action

Even after the FAA's strong warning to "put down the laser" or face fines up to $250,000 and potential five-year jail sentences, individuals continue to shine lasers at planes, posing significant safety risks.

Although we often picture this as a behavior of kids, the truth is that individuals are directing lasers at aircraft more frequently than ever before.

The latest FAA report reveals that in 2021, pilots reported a staggering 9,723 cases of lasers aimed at their planes, marking the highest annual total ever recorded by the agency.

"Deliberately targeting lasers at aircraft presents a serious danger to pilots and breaches federal regulations," the FAA stated, highlighting that "many powerful lasers can incapacitate pilots operating planes that may carry hundreds of passengers."

In 2021, the FAA recorded 47 instances of laser-related injuries, more than doubling the number reported in 2020 when air traffic was significantly lower due to the pandemic, and only slightly higher than the figures from 2019.

"The FAA is actively informing the public about the dangers of laser strikes, as they represent a grave risk to the safety of pilots, passengers, and everyone near the aircraft," said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson in a statement.

In addition to raising public awareness about the dangers of laser strikes, the FAA can impose fines of up to $11,000 for each violation and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents. In 2021, the agency levied $120,000 in fines for such strikes, but offenders may also face criminal penalties from federal, state, and local authorities, which could lead to even larger fines and potential jail time.

Since the FAA began tracking laser strikes in 2010, there have been a total of 67,558 reported incidents in the United States and its territories through the end of 2021.

During this period, FAA data indicates that laser strikes occur more frequently on Fridays and Saturdays, with California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Illinois leading the states in reported incidents.