FAA Has Received Over 300 Reports So Far

If the current trend continues, Arizona is projected to reach record-high numbers of laser strikes by the end of the year. This felony action creates a dangerous situation for military, commercial, and general aviation pilots.

In late August, the FAA released a statement warning pilots of increased laser incidents. They stated that laser pointers, "produce a beam near the eye’s peak sensitivity,” which causes extreme disorientation and temporary blindness.

"Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground below at risk," explained FAA spokesperson Donnell Evans. "It is also a violation of federal law."

Last year, Arizona was responsible for 4.19% of the country’s 13,304 reported laser incidents. California reported the most incidents with 1,872. The FAA noted that the U.S. experienced 41% more reports in 2023 than in the previous year.

The FAA has counted 337 laser incidents in Arizona so far. The state is on pace to receive 578 this year, surpassing its original record of 558. This averages out to nearly two occurrences each day.

“Fortunately, we have not lost any airplanes. But I’m afraid it’s just a matter of time until that happens,” said Cary Grant, FAA Safety Team lead representative.

The FAA doesn’t take laser strikes lightly. In December 2023, a 35-year-old man was arrested after pointing lasers at commercial aircraft on final at Arizona’s Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Tim Brennan, a military helicopter pilot based in Phoenix, Arizona, has been blinded by these lasers several times.

“That’s really what makes you upset,” Brennan stated, “is that you are in the middle of flying an aircraft, other people on board you are responsible for and it really impacts the safety. Stop and think about what you are about to do, put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a minute.”

The FAA requests that anyone seeing a laser strike submit a report for review and potential legal action.

FMI: www.faa.gov