WASHINGTON - Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year. While that is a 3 percent decrease from 2023, the numbers are still high, AviationPros reports. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
31 March 2025 - In 2024, California recorded the highest number of laser strikes, with 1,489 incidents. Texas followed closely with 1,463 reported cases. Florida had 810 incidents, while Tennessee reported 649. Illinois recorded 622 laser strikes, and Arizona had 550. In New York, pilots reported 531 incidents, while Indiana recorded 512. Georgia saw 416 cases, and Virginia reported 415 laser strikes.
Individuals caught aiming lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple offenses. Federal criminal penalties include up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000, with additional state and local consequences.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics