Laser Strikes on Aircraft Surge Amid Mystery Drone Sightings

The Federal Aviation Administration reports an unprecedented surge in laser strikes against aircraft across the northeastern United States since the start of the mystery drone sightings, with New Jersey experiencing a 269% increase in incidents compared to the previous year. Through mid-December 2024, New Jersey recorded 59 laser incidents, compared to just 16 during the same period in 2023, reports CNN.

Regional Impact

The surge has particularly affected operations at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which documented 15 laser incidents in a single week of December. One helicopter pilot sustained injuries from a laser strike, highlighting the real dangers these incidents pose to aviation safety.

National Perspective

The escalation in New Jersey reflects a broader national concern. In 2023, the FAA recorded 13,304 laser strikes nationwide, marking one of the highest annual totals in recent years. The current surge has prompted enhanced monitoring efforts across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Legal Consequences

Federal law treats laser strikes as serious criminal offenses. Under 18 U.S.C. § 39A, perpetrators face:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• Civil penalties up to $11,000 per violation
• Additional fines up to $30,800 for multiple incidents

Safety Implications

Misconceptions and Risks
A significant number of laser strikes stem from individuals mistakenly targeting what they believe to be unauthorized drones, when in fact they are legitimate aircraft or authorized drone operations. The concentrated beam of even small consumer-grade laser pointers can:

• Cause temporary flash blindness
• Result in permanent eye damage
• Disorient pilots during critical flight phases
• Illuminate entire cockpits at both low and high altitudes

Enforcement Response

The FBI and FAA have intensified their coordination with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute offenders. Aviation authorities emphasize that all laser strikes should be reported immediately through the FAA’s Laser Report system or to local law enforcement.

The message from aviation authorities remains unequivocal: laser illumination of any aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, represents a serious federal crime with potentially life-altering consequences for both perpetrators and victims.