PHOENIX (KPHO) - Lasers have been aimed at 96 aircrafts in the Phoenix area in 2011, the most incidents reported by pilots any place in the nation, the FAA says.
Philadelphia is ranked second in the number of laser events with 95 incidents reported this year to date. Chicago ranks third with 83 events.
Overall, number of laser events around the nation continues to rise. In 2010, there were 2,836 cases. This year, pilots reported 2,795 laser events through Oct. 20.
The FAA said the increase in annual laser reports is likely due to several factors:
- The availability of inexpensive laser devices on the Internet.
- Increased power levels that enable lasers to reach aircraft at higher altitudes.
- More pilot reporting of laser strikes.
- The introduction of green and blue lasers, which are more easily seen than red lasers.
The FAA said it began addressing the problem in 2005 by encouraging pilots to report laser events to the nearest air traffic control facility and requiring facilities to immediately relay that information to local law enforcement agencies.
In June 2011, the FAA announced it would start imposing civil penalties of up to $11,000 against people who interfere with a flight crew by pointing a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft. The agency is currently working on 18 civil penalty cases.
The FAA also provided technical expertise to help Myrtle Beach, SC develop a law making it illegal to point lasers at an aircraft. Myrtle Beach adopted its measure in September 2011, joining a number of other cities and states that now have laws in place making it illegal to shine lasers at aircrafts.
Over the past few years, people have been charged under local, state and federal criminal statues for pointing lasers at aircraft, and legislation is pending that would make it a specific federal crime. The FAA is prepared to work with all law enforcement agencies to assist with criminal prosecutions.
The FAA has created a new website to make it easier for pilots and the public to report laser incidents and obtain information on the subject.
The website, which can be found at www.faa.gov/go/laserinfo, collects a wide array of laser information into one location. It includes links for reporting laser incidents, laser statistics, FAA press releases, and FAA research on the dangers lasers can pose to pilots, as well as downloadable videos.
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