Law enforcement officials warn laser strikes threaten aviation safety
Shining a laser at an aircraft may seem harmless to some, but law enforcement is warning the act can blind pilots, endanger hundreds of lives and land offenders in federal prison.
An act that may be intended as fun or a prank could impair an aircraft pilot’s vision and potentially cause an accident. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
“As law enforcement continues to see a rise in these incidents, the FBI is putting an emphasis on educating the public on the dangers of lasing,” said FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus. “Many may not fully realize that pointing a laser into the sky can cause significant and even potentially life-threatening consequences to aircraft personnel and passengers. If you are intentionally pointing a laser at an aircraft, the FBI will do everything in its power to find you and ensure you are prosecuted.”
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is…