269 Percent Spike In Laser Strikes On Aircraft Over NJ, FAA Says

NEW JERSEY — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is raising safety concerns over a recent increase in laser strikes throughout New Jersey.

According to the administration, the FAA has received “dozens of new laser reports” from pilots throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

This month, the FAA said laser strikes have gone up significantly in New Jersey, with a reported 269 percent increase over the same time period last year.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard,” the FAA said. “And a violation of federal law.”

People who shine lasers at an aircraft could face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation, according to the FAA website. For multiple laser incidents, fines could increase up to $30,800.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. “A laser strike can temporarily blind a pilot or cause severe eye injury, and the FAA takes this threat very seriously.”

The FAA’s statement on laser strikes follows a recent warning from the FBI’s Newark office and NJ State Police asking the public not to point lasers at aircraft or try to shoot down drones.

If manned aircraft are targeted and mistaken for UAS (unmanned aircraft systems), the agencies said there could be “dangerous and possibly deadly consequences."

"Lasers and aircraft don't mix," Whitaker said. "If you have a laser, please use it responsibly and never point it at an aircraft."

To report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies, you can click here.

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