Aircraft laser strikes on planes soar 41%: Here's what the FAA is doing about it
Despite the Federal Aviation Administration’s public plea to “lose the laser” or face fines of up to $250,000 or five years in jail, people keep shining lasers at aircraft and causing serious safety threats.
In fact, people – we imagine them all being 12-year-olds, but it’s likely they’re not – are shining lasers at airplanes more than ever before.
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According to the FAA's most recent report, during 2021 pilots reported 9,723 incidents of lasers being pointed at their aircraft. That’s the highest number of laser strikes ever recorded in one year by the agency.
“Intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law,” the FAA said in a statement, noting that “many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.”
In 2021, the FAA logged 47 reports of laser-related injuries. That’s more than double the number of similar injuries reported in 2020, when the number of airplanes in the sky was significantly reduced due to the pandemic, but just slightly higher than the number of reported laser injuries in 2019.
“The FAA continues to educate the public about the hazards of laser strikes because they pose such a serious threat to the safety of the pilot, the passengers and everyone in the vicinity of the aircraft,” FAA administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement.
In addition to educating the public about the hazards of laser strikes, the FAA can fine people up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. In 2021, the FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes, but laser scofflaws may also be subject to criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies which can make the fines for these offenses much greater and may add jail time.
Since 2010, when the FAA began keeping records of laser strikes, through the end of 2021, there have been a total of 67,558 laser incidents in the United States and its territories.
Over that period, FAA records show more laser strikes taking place on Fridays and Saturdays than on other days of the week, and California, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Illinois, respectively, as the top states for number of laser strikes reported.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees