After pilots reported nearly 9,500 laser strikes in 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urges laser manufacturers and distributors to include a warning label that advises users of the risk if pointed toward an aircraft.
Incapacitating pilots
High-powered laser pointers have the ability to incapacitate pilots when flying an aircraft, which in turn could put the passengers at risk. Billy Nolen, Acting FAA Administrator, has suggested that laser manufacturers add a warning label to ensure that consumers are fully aware of the federal laws and safety risks when laser pointers are in use. Nolen further noted in a statement:
''Lasers may seem like just a toy, office tool, or game for most, but they can incapacitate pilots putting thousands of passengers at risk every year. People need to be aware pointing a laser at an airplane is a federal crime.”
Have you heard the Simple Flying podcast recently?
9,500 strikes in 2022
US-based pilots reported nearly 9,500 laser strikes to the FAA in 2022. Including the 270 pilots that have reported an injury from a strike since 2010. People caught shining lasers at an aircraft can face fines from the FAA of up to $11,000 per violation or up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. In 2021, the FAA issued fines totaling $120,000 for laser strikes.
It's against the law
It is actually a federal crime to point a laser toward an aircraft. As noted by the FAA, lasers can incapacitate pilots. Temporary blindness or distraction could place hundreds of passengers' lives at risk. In a worst-case scenario, the incapacitation of both pilots from a laser attack could be highly problematic. Laser pointers could inflict serious eye damage if used up close. If a pilot is blinded by a laser when in the air, they must maneuver and land the aircraft incapacitated, with passengers or cargo relying on their impaired ability.
Get all the latest aviation news for North America here
Nolen's suggestion of a warning label
In a letter to manufacturers and distributors, FAA's Nolen has reminded them that even though laser pointers are considered a toy, they can cause serious harm when pointed at an aircraft, causing accidents or worse - death. Noting: The FAA requests that you add a warning label to your packaging to make consumers aware of the safety risks and federal laws when using lasers. The message below would achieve this:
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft threatens pilots, and it is a federal crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration may seek criminal and civil prosecution against violators. Don’t shine this laser at aircraft.”
By ensuring clear and informative information, users should be aware of the penalties if misused. The FAA has also encouraged those already providing warning labels on its products to increase their visibility.