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FAA cracks down on laser strikes
Evyn Moon reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing efforts to reduce laser strikes on aircraft during August, designated as "Laser Enforcement Month."
What we know:
Nationally, pilots reported nearly 13,000 laser strikes last year, even as numbers dropped slightly from 2023.
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Commercial pilots said these strikes are dangerous and can have catastrophic consequences. Retired pilot Kent Davis, who has more than 40 years of experience, said this happened to him, and described lasers flickering into his cockpit while flying a 747, potentially endangering hundreds of passengers.
There have been arrests made for these incidents just this summer in the Tampa Bay area.
Timeline:
In June 2025, Hillsborough County deputies arrested a man in Riverview for shining a laser at a helicopter.
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A Marion County man was also arrested this month for pointing a green laser at a sheriff’s office helicopter performing safety checks. The man reportedly said he was bored and "just being silly."
Why you should care:
Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. Violators can face fines of tens of thousands of dollars and up to five years in federal prison. Even brief exposure can temporarily blind pilots and create a serious safety hazard.
What you can do:
If you see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, report it immediately to local law enforcement and the FAA. Prompt reporting can help prevent accidents and protect pilots and passengers.
The Source: Information for this story comes from FAA officials, local law enforcement reports in Marion and Hillsborough counties and interviews with a retired commercial pilot. Statistics on nationwide and Florida laser strikes come from FAA records.