Aiming a laser at an aircraft creates a serious safety risk that violates federal law. High-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that often carry hundreds of passengers.
The FAA and law enforcement agencies are working hard to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by lasers. As shown in the chart below, reported incidents of lasers aimed at aircraft have decreased in recent years. However, the substantial number of reported incidents clearly show that laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety.
