The Rising Risk of Laser Attacks on Pilots and Aircraft Operations

Easily accessible in several countries, laser pointers emit a concentrated beam of light, most commonly in green and red, and at varying strengths, wavelengths, and distances. While they have legitimate uses, the misuse of lasers, particularly high-powered devices, poses serious risk. When a laser is directed at the human eye, the optics of the eye can amplify the beam and potentially cause damage.  

In the scenario of a laser striking the cockpit of an aircraft in flight, especially at night, devastating consequences on one or both pilots can include both visual and cognitive effects. Visual effects can include glare, flash blindness, retinal damage, or a temporary loss of central vision. Cognitive impacts include the activation of a pilot’s startle response, possibly escalating through four phases, to include distraction, disruption, disorientation, and in more severe cases, incapacitation, which is especially hazardous for single-pilot operations. These risks are further magnified during the approach, landing, or takeoff phases of flight, which are periods of increased workload and maneuvering, often at low altitudes.  

Aside from the safety impacts, laser strikes can also create operational consequences by forcing missed approaches during instrument landings, go-arounds, deviations, or delays and cancellations of flights. These operational impacts affect commercial airlines, as well as charter operators, helicopters, and emergency service aircraft, such as police and air ambulances. 

In the US, individuals can face civil fines of up to USD 11,000 per violation, and federal penalties can reach USD 250,000 and up to five years in prison. State and local law enforcement agencies are also working with CAAs and other federal departments to immediately detect reported incidents through better communication techniques. Immediate reporting has proven to be of paramount importance in identifying trends, as well as in locating and identifying responsible individuals.

While pilots and crew members make up the majority of the reports filed to CAAs, which are immediately communicated to Air Traffic Control (ATC) from the aircraft, reports can also be submitted by air traffic controllers and airport personnel, as well as any member of the public. Reporting forms request specific information related to the incident, including the location where the aircraft was struck, altitude, type of aircraft, and direction of flight, as well as any identifiable information related to the laser such as color, duration, and estimated direction.

Educating the public about potential legal consequences and the risks to pilots, passengers, and the wider industry can aid in the reduction of laser strike events. This should occur alongside a collaborative effort with law enforcement for deliberate offenses, and a commitment toward immediate reporting to further enhance global safety. 

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