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Laser Attacks on Aircraft Reach Record High, Surging 41% in 2023
Aircraft, including commercial planes, experienced a staggering 41% increase in laser strikes last year, reaching an all-time high, according to federal officials. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) disclosed that pilots reported 13,304 incidents of laser strikes, surpassing the previous record set in 2021.
In a video released by the FAA, Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that aiming a laser at an aircraft poses a severe safety hazard, endangering the passengers and crew onboard as well as individuals on the ground. Since the FAA began keeping records in 2010, pilots have reported 313 injuries attributed to laser strikes.
Notably, the surge in attacks during the last five months of 2023 exceeded the previous peak in November 2021. The overall increase in reported incidents for the entire year easily surpassed the 28% rise observed from 2016 to 2022.
Authorities attribute the rise in laser attacks to various factors, including the widespread availability of inexpensive lasers in stores and online. Additionally, the use of more powerful devices capable of reaching higher altitudes has contributed to the surge. The increased awareness among pilots, prompting them to report such incidents, has also played a role.
To combat this growing issue, the FAA has the authority to impose fines of up to $11,000 for each violation, with a maximum penalty of $30,800. Moreover, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have the option to file criminal charges against offenders.
According to FAA data, laser strikes on aircraft are most prevalent in the early hours after midnight. The agency continues to monitor and address this concerning trend in order to ensure the safety of aviation operations.
Published on Feb 01, 2024, at 6:35 AM IST.
Laser strikes against aircraft, including planes, have witnessed a significant surge, reaching a new record, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These dangerous incidents involve individuals pointing laser beams towards pilots, potentially blinding them and jeopardizing the safety of passengers and crew on board. In 2020 alone, there were over 6,000 reported laser strikes, a worrying increase compared to previous years. The FAA and law enforcement agencies are working together to address this issue and ensure strict penalties for those engaging in such reckless activities. It is crucial for the public to understand the seriousness of these actions and to report any laser strikes to local authorities immediately.
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