The effect of a laser on a pilots vision at various altitudes.
On June 1st, 2011 the FAA announced it will begin to issue fines as much as $11,000 to individuals found guilty of pointing lasers at aircraft. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced in an FAA safety review, “These lasers can temporarily blind a pilot and make it impossible to safely land the aircraft, jeopardizing the safety of the passengers and people on the ground.” The dangers of being flashed with a laser are largely apparent to members of the aviation community, but the general public must corrected with law to bring such an understanding. It is unfortunate that the FAA’s effort to bring awareness to laser incidents has been unsuccessful, requiring laws to be drafted. Since 2008 the FAA has been responding to a rise in laser incidents which are derived from a number of contributing factors. Following the introduction and full implementation of the FAA laser reporting system the number of reports has been rising annually. Due in part to a rising pilot awareness and resulting adoption of the reporting system; the FAA also cited the availability of powerful lasers online, and the introduction of green lasers as instigators to the problem. Fines will be issued citing a rule which prohibits the interference of a flight crew which is actively performing its duties. To date over 1,000 laser events have been reported so far this year, with California’s very own LAX taking the prize for the most reports last year with 102. Laser reports have been largely concentrated around the bigger “hub” airports, but it is unclear whether this is simply a result of more reporting. Laser events are difficult to track down and put a stop to, and it is often a repeat offender who is responsible for a regional influx of reports. This makes it essential for pilots to communicate with controlling agencies following an incident as well as file a report with the FAA. This cooperation has limitless value in helping the FAA prosecute offenders with the aid of local and state law enforcement.
Have you been involved in a laser incident? Report it to the FAA, and then tell our community about it with a brief comment below!
