Record Surge in Laser Strikes on Pilots Reported in 2023, FAA Reveals

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported an unprecedented spike in laser strikes on pilots, with over 13,000 incidents recorded across the United States in 2023. This figure represents a staggering 41% increase from the previous year, highlighting a growing concern within the aviation community. Florida alone accounted for 916 of these incidents, underlining its significant share in the national total.

The majority of these laser strikes occurred in the early hours of the morning, with 34 pilots reporting eye injuries as a direct consequence. Notably, Hillard in Northeast Florida, proximate to one of the country’s busiest air traffic control centers, emerged as a hotspot for such laser-related incidents.

Helicopter pilots, in particular, have been identified as more vulnerable to laser strikes due to their aircraft’s lower flying altitudes and the abundance of windows, which increases the potential for laser penetration. Clifford Summers, a helicopter pilot, noted that the relatively slow and low flight patterns of helicopters make them easier targets compared to faster, higher-flying airplanes.

Despite the prevalence of these incidents, aviation expert and attorney Ed Booth, with extensive experience as a fixed-wing pilot, pointed out that no airplane crash has ever been directly attributed to a laser strike. However, he acknowledged the risk posed during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing, where pilots are more likely to encounter direct laser exposure.

The FAA’s report and experts emphasize the severe safety risks and potential for injury associated with laser strikes on aircraft. Legal consequences for those caught pointing lasers at aircraft include hefty fines, starting from $11,000 and potentially reaching up to $30,000, underscoring the seriousness with which these offenses are treated. Enhanced police surveillance technologies, such as forward-looking infrared cameras, further ensure that individuals responsible for these hazardous actions can be identified and apprehended, even in the cover of darkness.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, news4jax.com