FBI Newark Warns of Dangerous Trend: Lasers and Weapons Targeting Aircraft Mistaken for Drones

The FBI Newark Field Office and New Jersey State Police have issued an urgent warning about a disturbing increase in incidents where pilots are being targeted with lasers by people who mistakenly believe they’re observing unauthorized drones. The warning comes amid rising concerns about potential deadly consequences if manned aircraft are misidentified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Dangerous Misidentification Leads to Serious Safety Concerns

Law enforcement officials report a surge in cases where commercial and private pilots have been hit in the eyes with lasers from ground-based observers who wrongly assumed they were targeting drones. Even more concerning is the potential for armed civilians to fire weapons at what they incorrectly believe to be unauthorized UAS operations, creating a severe risk to manned aviation.

The FBI Newark office, working alongside the New Jersey State Police and numerous other law enforcement agencies, has launched extensive nighttime operations to track down individuals operating illegally or with malicious intent. These coordinated efforts aim to address public concerns while preventing potentially catastrophic incidents.

Tools and Resources for Proper Aircraft Identification

The FBI emphasizes that misidentification commonly occurs when observers mistake conventional aircraft, low-orbit satellites, or even celestial bodies for drones. To combat this issue, authorities are directing the public toward various government and private sector resources that can help distinguish between UAS and other aerial objects.

These tools include:

• Flight tracking applications showing commercial and private aircraft routes
• Satellite tracking platforms for identifying orbital objects
• Astronomical applications that display visible planets and stars

Legal Implications and Safety Guidelines

It’s worth noting that both laser pointing and weapons discharge at any aircraft – manned or unmanned – constitute serious federal crimes. Under FAA regulations, interfering with aircraft operations can result in significant fines and imprisonment. The FBI’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that proper aircraft identification and adherence to aviation laws are essential for public safety.

For drone operators and aviation enthusiasts seeking to better understand the distinction between various types of aircraft, the FBI recommends consulting official resources and verification tools before taking any action regarding suspected unauthorized flights.

The emerging pattern of aircraft misidentification highlights the growing need for public education about drone technology and aviation safety as unmanned aircraft become increasingly common in our skies.