FAA Warns Of Holiday Laser-Light Display Dangers To Pilots

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice last week asking that all laser-owners refrain from pointing them at the sky or at planes flying overhead as the agency works to combat a national laser strike problem. 

Officials specifically highlight laser-light displays, namely Christmas and other holiday decorations, as a potential hazard for pilots who become temporarily blinded or distracted lasers angled upward. 

“You might not realize this, but a well-meaning attempt to spread holiday cheer has the potential to create a serious safety risk to pilots and passengers on airplanes that fly overhead,” the notice reads. “Please make sure all laser lights are directed at your house and not pointing towards the sky. The extremely concentrated beams of laser lights reach much farther than you might realize.”

If FAA officials are made aware of a particular home posing problems with holiday lights, they will inform the homeowner to turn any light displays off.

Violators who are found to purposely aim a laser at an aircraft are subject to fines up to $11,000 per violation. 

Laser incidents that threaten pilots’ ability to safely navigate have been on the rise over the last five years, with 2021 seeing a record high number of 8,550 laser strike reports in 2021, surpassing the previous incident record that occurred in 2016 when 7,383 incidents were reported. 

“Intentionally aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety risk and violates federal law,” FAA officials said in the press release. “Many high-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destinations and may be carrying hundreds of passengers.”

In response to a surge of incidents, the FAA launched a new tool that makes laser strike incidents public. Based on data dating back to 2010, the early winter months of November and December see the highest volume of laser strikes, coinciding with the holiday season.