PHOENIX (AZFamily) — People pointing lasers at pilots flying an aircraft is a felony, but thousands of people continue to do so.
The FAA says laser attacks in Arizona continue to be consistently high.
There were 429 laser strikes over Arizona reported in fiscal year 2023. During the first part of fiscal year 2024, the FAA has already counted 337 strikes.
Arizona is on pace to have 578 incidents this year, which would be the most on record.
“A few times had to leave the area because they were so consistent with doing it,” pilot Tim Brennan said. “It almost looks like fireworks going off in your vision and it doesn’t go away for a little bit so that’s the dangerous part.”
Brennan has flown helicopters for the past 13 years with the military and other parts of the Valley.
He now pilots search and rescue calls with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office out of Deer Valley Airport.
Brennan says there have been at least 10 times he was hit in the face with a laser while flying in the cockpit.
“That’s really what makes you upset is that you are in the middle of flying an aircraft, other people on board you are responsible for and it really impacts the safety. Stop and think about what you are about to do put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a minute,” he said.
Brennan says lasers are becoming more advanced and even the ones you can buy from a store can shine from miles away.
It’s a felony to shine a laser at an aircraft. The FAA asks anyone who witnesses someone pointing a laser at a plane or helicopter to file a report.
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Publish date : 2024-08-29 17:29:00
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