The action is a federal crime with penalties of up to five years in prison.
Federal judges in New York and Arizona recently sentenced men who pointed lasers at aircraft.
The man in New York aimed a green laser toward a Delta Airlines flight as it approached Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in March 2024. U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo sentenced him to 18 months in federal prison.
U.S. District Judge Steven Logan sentenced the man in Arizona to 10 months in prison for aiming a laser at multiple military training aircraft near Luke Air Force Base in late 2024 and early 2025. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and FBI officials partnered in the investigation.
“Pointing lasers at aircraft not only endangers the crew on board, but it also endangers the communities below,” said AFOSI Special Agent Gregory Tiegs, who was assigned to the FBI Phoenix Division Joint Terrorism Task Force. “Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a harmless act. It is a serious federal crime that has potential life-threatening consequences.“
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that laser strikes on aircraft have averaged over 10,000 per year in recent years. Penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal judges as they hear and decide cases of laser strikes on aircraft.
- That laser enthusiasts would be aware and prudent in their use and comply with federal law.
- For FAA Administrator Bedford as he seeks to ensure the safety of pilots, crew, and passengers in U.S. airspace.
Sources: OSI.AF.mil, Aviation A2Z
