It may be an unintended consequence, but the combination of technology and that guy with the mega-Christmas outdoor display could be creating a major problem. It seems lawn displays with lasers that point in the sky are creating a problem for pilots.
“The extremely concentrated beams of laser lights actually go a lot farther than most people realize, even in those home displays,” said Rob Lowe, Regional Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Southwest Region. “Pointing your display to where those lights point skyward could present a serious safety hazard to flight crews and people aboard those planes.”
Laser strikes, as they are known, have created health and safety concerns for years. It is a federal crime to intentionally point a laser beam at an aircraft of any kind. Pilots say the layers of glass that go into an aircraft’s window cause a laser to light the entire glass structure. While pilots are trained to look away, it is often too late before eyes could be harmed.
“Last year the agency received 9,723 reports from pilots nationwide last year, a 41 percent increase over 2020. As of October 31, 2022, the agency received reports of 7,863 ,” the FAA said in a news release. “People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. The FAA issued $120,000 in fines for laser strikes in 2021. Violators can also face criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.”
To be certain, Lowe is not suggesting that homeowners are aware of the potential hazard. He is not sure the displays even warn about pointing laser beams away from the sky. But the closer a home is to an airport, the lower a plane will fly. That creates a bigger problem that pilots can report.
“Our first approach would be to ask you to adjust them or turn them off. If your laser light continues to affect pilots, despite a warning, then there is the fine.” Lowe said.
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