LUBBOCK Pointing a laser at an aircraft can cause deadly accidents. AeroCare wants to remind the community that pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense, a news release detailed.
The Federal Aviation Administration says that aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety risk and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destinations. In the case of pilots for AeroCare, those pilots and crew may be carrying a patient with a life-threatening illness or injury to a hospital.
The FAA and AeroCare remain vigilant in a campaign to heighten public awareness of the serious safety risk posed by lasers pointed at aircraft. Even small lasers can be very powerful. A beam that hits a pilot or crew during night flying can impair the night vision goggles they use, cause a serious safety risk and create potential long-term vision problems.
The FAA reported 9,723 laser incidents in 2021, up from 6,852 in 2020. This is the highest reported number of incidents ever. AeroCare urges residents of residents of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico to avoid pointing lasers at aircraft.
To minimize risk to pilots, crew and passengers, it is essential that everyone report laser incidents as soon as possible. If you witness someone aiming a laser at an aircraft, send an e-mail to [email protected] and include the following:
>> Your name and contact information.
>> Date and time you witnessed the laser incident.
>> Location and description of the incident.
If you are the victim of a laser incident or you witness a laser strike, please report it to FAA. More information on reporting laser incidents can be found here: tinyurl.com/2s36y3sb
