FAA wants harsher penalties for pointing lasers at airplanes
May 18, 2012, 01:42 pm
The Federal Aviation Administration recently said it is attempting to give out harsher penalties for individuals pointing lasers at airplanes in flight.
Experts have said laser pointers can distract pilots in the air, no matter the height. The laser can reflect off the airplane glass and can create a glare that a pilot can’t avoid. The glare has been known to cause temporary flash blindness and create afterimages, impairing the pilot's flight.
“The FAA would pursue the toughest penalties against anyone caught putting the safety of the flying public at risk,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Shining a laser at an airplane is not a laughing matter. It’s dangerous for both pilots and passengers, and we will not tolerate it."
The FAA plans to pursue 28 people for pointing lasers at planes since June 2011. The number of laser pointer incidents increased from 2,836 in 2010 to 3,592 in 2011. The FAA has said the maximum penalty could be a fine as high as $11,00, but in one case, a repeat offender was fined $30,800.
Those flying the planes should consider pilot life insurance as an option to ensure loved ones financial security in the event that a laser pointer causes dire consequences.
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