Laser Strikes Against Aircrafts

Pilots, law enforcement, and prosecutors gathered at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC) at the New Jersey State Police Headquarters to address the issues and dangers of laser strikes to the cockpits of aircrafts. A new public service announcement was also previewed, which portrayed how using a laser to target an aircraft is a crime and is “No Laughing Matter.”

The problem is growing across the country as more powerful lasers become easier to purchase. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, from January 1, 2012 through September 13, 2012, there have been 2,376 laser incidents in the United States. In 2011, there were 116 reported laser incidents in New Jersey, and 111 reported incidents associated with the Philadelphia Airport. Of these incidents, 70 percent occurred when the aircraft was between 2,000 and 10,000 feet, with the greatest frequency occurring between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Captain Robert Hamilton, pilot and security council chair for the Air Line Pilots Association, discussed the dangers of a laser strike from his perspective in the cockpit. Many pilots have suffered temporary vision loss due to “flash blindness” and “after images.” Laser illuminations can distract, disorient, and debilitate a pilot, endangering both crew and passengers.

Michael B. Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Newark Office, spoke about laser incidents as a crime that is investigated by law enforcement from the local to the federal level. Under federal law 18 USC 39 (A), whoever knowingly aims the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or at the flight path of such an aircraft, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years or both. Under 49 USC Section 46301 (a)(5)(A), the FAA may seek a maximum civil penalty of $11,000 per violation for aiming a laser at an aircraft in violation of C.F.R. Section 91.11. Additional information can be found on the FAA website: www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/report/laserinfo.

Police and rescue helicopters are also affected by laser strikes. State police and pilots with the U.S. Coast Guard often fly at low altitudes and rely on their eyesight to spot victims and land at non-traditional sites. Lasers can cause pilots to abort rescue missions or endanger people on the ground.

“Hitting an aircraft with a laser is not like a video game where you can start over at will. If you are caught, you will be arrested and prosecuted for this dangerous action that puts others at risk,” said Lt. Colonel Matthew Wilson, Deputy Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

Partners at today’s event showed a video clip that demonstrated how a laser strike can appear through an aircraft windshield and reflect off objects in the cockpit. They also played the new public service announcement called “No Laughing Matter” in which two men target a passing jet with a handheld laser. The PSA can be heard and downloaded from the New Jersey State Police website: www.njsp.org