FAA warns of “dangerously high” levels of laser strikes
March 28, 2025
Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year, with California claiming the highest number of strikes in the US.
Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious threat and is federal crime, warned Kevin Morris, FAA public affairs specialist (pictured). He explained that shining a laser at a pilot can “cause temporary blindness or severe eye injury, putting everyone on an aircraft as well as those on the ground at serious risk.”
Since the FAA began tracking laser strikes in 2010 there have been 328 injuries reported by pilots. “The FAA continues to raise awareness about the misuse of lasers, working closely with federal states and local law enforcement to identify those who deliberately shine lasers at aircraft,” continued Morris.
Sounding the alarm about the misuse of lasers
Those found guilty of shining a laser at an aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents, as well as federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
While California reported the highest number of laser strikes in 2024, with 1,489 incidents, it was followed closely by Texas with 1,463. Other states in the top 10 for reported laser strikes included Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, Arizona, New York, Indiana, Georgia, and Virginia.
“The bottom line,” said Morris, “is that lasers and aircraft do not mix, so use them responsibly and never point one at an aircraft.” He also urged any witnesses or victims of laser strikes to report them both to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies.
