Don't Lase Me, Bro

Remember the guy at laser tag who was way too old to be picking off kids one by one? Data suggest an even more one-sided exchange of lasers is putting pilots at risk. Per the FAA:

• Pilots reported 9,723 laser strikes in 2021, a 41% increase from 2020.
• Reported incidents remain high, reaching 9,457 in 2022.

The consequences can be deadly. We're way past ruining your eighth birthday party. Laser strikes can visually incapacitate pilots, creating an immediate in-flight emergency and risking damaged eyesight.

If that's not bad enough, most strikes occur in high-workload environments, per NBAA:

• At altitudes between 2,000 and 10,000 feet
• At night — between 7 and 11 PM

What if it happens to you?

• Stay calm. If the airplane is on a stable path, it should remain that way.
• Pass the controls to the SIC if you're flying with a partner.
• Alert ATC of the incident.
• Abandon the approach. Activate autopilot, clean up your flaps and gear, and go around or missed.
• Use your visor to block the laser.
• Slowly raise your lights to drone it out.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
  

Once you're on the ground, spill the tea to the authorities. A few minutes of your time can help the FAA gather data and identify offenders.

More strikes incoming...

Laser strikes peak on weekends and holidays, particularly around Christmas. Keep your head on a swivel, and maybe forego that Amazon gift card for your weird uncle this year — just to be safe.