Laser strikes threaten aircraft in Jacksonville

Pilots flying in and out of Jacksonville International Airport have reported 65 laser strikes on their aircraft this year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incidents follow an increase of 41% nationwide in 2023 over 2022, the FAA says.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk,” said FAA administrator Michael Whitaker. “A laser strike can temporarily blind a pilot or cause severe eye injury, and the FAA takes this threat very seriously.”

FAA records show 13,304 laser strikes nationwide in 2023, the most ever. The incidents more than doubled from five years earlier.

The number of incidents in Jacksonville was the second-most at larger airports in Florida, along with 75 in Miami, 64 in Tampa and 47 in Orlando. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reported 12.

Pilots have reported 313 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010, the FAA says.

People who shine lasers at aircraft face fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. The FAA asks the public to report laser strikes to the agency and local law enforcement.

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