The hazards and penalties of aiming lasers at flying aircraft

(FOX40.COM) — A person was arrested in Citrus Heights on Sunday after pointing a strong green laser at a California Highway Patrol helicopter, but what makes this act illegal and how can it endanger flight crews?

Since 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration has kept records of flight crews reporting being hit by ground-based lasers during flight.

In 2023, the FAA received over 13,000 reports from pilots or flight crew members about being struck by these bright and dangerous lights.

Locally, 26 pilots during July have called in about being struck by a laser while flying over Sacramento, according to FAA data.

“Intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law,” the FAA writes. “Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.”

Given the risk these lasers pose to pilot safety, in February 2012, the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012” was signed into law, making it a federal crime to aim a laser at an aircraft.

“No person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember’s duties aboard an aircraft being operated,” the prohibition on interference with crewmembers states.

Violators can expect the FAA to seek civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation and even up to $30,000 for those with multiple laser incidents.

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