Professional pilot here. Please stop pointing lasers at planes. Or in the sky at all.

The Dangers of Laser Attacks on Aircraft: A Call for Safety and Responsibility

As a professional pilot with extensive experience in aviation safety, I feel compelled to address a troubling trend that has significant implications for passenger safety and public awareness.

Recently, there has been a notable increase in online posts and social media comments about “drones” or unidentified aerial objects, often accompanied by blurred images of airplanes at night. Many of these posts tend to dismiss these sightings as mere hoaxes or “trolls.” However, beneath these superficial explanations lies a genuine and serious threat that we’ve encountered firsthand.

Last night marked the first time in my career that our aircraft was targeted by a laser illumination. Fortunately, the angle of the laser beam was such that it did not cause any injury or damage to our eyes. Still, the potential for harm was very real—for both the crew and the passengers aboard. On this flight, we were transporting over 100 individuals, including families, children, and loved ones. Laser strikes are not just inconvenient—they are potentially life-threatening acts.

Laser pointing at aircraft is not a harmless prank; it endangers everyone on board and can distract pilots during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. The brightness and proximity of the laser can temporarily impair a pilot’s vision, leading to dangerous situations. Despite the apparent nonchalance some might have towards these acts, the consequences could be catastrophic.

I urge the public to understand the gravity of this issue. Posts that minimize or dismiss these incidents as “trolls” do a disservice to public safety. Instead, we should be focusing on educating and informing the community about the dangers and legal repercussions of laser interference with aircraft.

To those who might consider engaging in or supporting such activities: please recognize the grave risks involved. Laser pointing at aircraft is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions, carrying severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.

For everyone else, I kindly ask you to be responsible in your online activity. Do not encourage or feed into narratives that trivialize these dangerous acts. Awareness and accountability are key to ensuring aviation safety for all.

Let’s work together to prioritize safety and prevent these reckless behaviors. Respect our skies—your actions can impact lives.

Author: A Professional Pilot Dedicated to Aviation Safety