{
  "id": 17409064,
  "title": "Why you should never point a laser pointer at any aircraft",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/why-you-should-never-point-a-laser-pointer-at-any-aircraft",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-31T13:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2301206/why-you-should-never-point-a-laser-pointer-at-any-aircraft/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is an extremely foolish action. It is not a game for pilots, who are skilled professionals undertaking a critical job. Using a laser pointer at an aircraft could endanger lives for no reason other than mischievous behavior. Although people may be familiar with the physics of lasers from a simple $10 device, the danger it poses to pilots is significant and life-threatening. A laser beam, despite appearing narrow, spreads out as it travels, potentially growing to a width of several feet by the time it reaches an aircraft. When a pilot faces this intense light, it can create a window-sized area of vision impairment, akin to looking directly at the sun while driving. This distraction can lead to disastrous consequences, especially during takeoff, landing, or at night when visibility is already compromised.\n\nThese incidents frequently occur when pilots are dealing with the most challenging situations. Low-flying planes, which are taking off or landing, are particularly vulnerable to laser strikes. Additionally, such occurrences are more common at night when pilots' eyes are already adjusted to low light conditions. Nighttime laser strikes can cause even more severe flash blindness, leaving pilots with little room for error. Small helicopters, often used for police, medical, and news transportation, are also at high risk. These aircraft often fly at low altitudes and in residential areas, including at night, making them prime targets for laser pointers.\n\nDespite the severity of the situation, the number of reported laser strikes continues to rise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded nearly 11,000 laser strikes in 2025 alone, with nearly 6,000 incidents reported in 2026. While the number appears to have decreased slightly from the previous year, the danger remains significant. Since 2012, aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft has been a federal crime in the United States, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. In addition to federal penalties, the FAA can impose civil penalties exceeding $30,000 per violation, and individual states can enforce their own penalties. However, apprehending the perpetrators is not as unlikely as it may seem. Police helicopters equipped with infrared cameras can trace laser beams back to their source, as demonstrated by recent cases. For instance, a man in New York received an 18-month prison sentence for aiming a laser at a Delta flight, while an Arizona resident was sentenced to 10 months for targeting US Air Force F-35 jets. In these cases, FBI surveillance planes captured video footage of the laser strikes originating from the individuals' residences. Therefore, it is essential to remember that laser pointers are best reserved for their intended purposes such as playing with cats, giving presentations, or conducting scientific demonstrations. Engaging in any other activities with a laser pointer is irresponsible and potentially life-threatening.",
  "summary": "Unfortunately, some people need to hear this.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}