Over 13,000 Dangerous Laser Attacks on Aircraft in the U.S

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has this week revealed that in 2023, there were over 13,000 dangerous laser attacks on aircraft in the U.S.

In total, the figure was 13,304 reports, which is a substantial increase of 41% compared to what was recorded in 2022.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

Over 13,000 Dangerous Laser Attacks on Aircraft in the U.S…

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Since the FAA started reporting on laser attacks on aircraft in the U.S, which was in 2010, around 313 injuries have been reported due to these attacks.

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker had this to say on the rise in such attacks:

“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 on the ground at risk”.

“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”.

Anyone caught in the U.S attacking an aircraft with laser pens face fines of up to $11,000 per violations and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents.

Overall, this is becoming a far larger problem, and as Whitaker mentions, more outreach and education is needed on those who are carrying out these dangerous actions.

All eyes will be on whether the figure decreases or increases dramatically again by the end of the year.