Laser Attacks on Aircraft Surge Amid Drone Paranoia

Federal officials issued a stark warning on Monday about a growing threat to aviation safety: people on the ground shining high-powered lasers at manned aircraft, mistaking them for drones. The uptick comes as heightened concerns about drone activity have gripped the public following recent media reports.

FBI Newark and New Jersey State Police reported an alarming increase in laser strikes targeting pilots at night, a dangerous trend that could have catastrophic consequences. Misidentifications, they warned, are not only reckless but can be deadly.

• Lasers can temporarily blind pilots, creating life-threatening situations for those onboard and anyone on the ground.

• Some individuals have gone even further, firing weapons at suspected drones only to discover they targeted manned aircraft instead.

• Federal, state, and local agencies are now tracking drone activity nightly to address concerns and prevent illegal drone operations.

“There could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems),” officials said.

As anxiety about drones grows, authorities stressed the importance of accurately identifying flying objects before taking any action. Public paranoia, fueled by heightened media coverage and speculation about illegal drone operations, has led to numerous false sightings.

Federal officials urged civilians to rely on tools like:

• Publicly available flight-tracking websites and apps to identify nearby aircraft.

• Satellite movement tools that help differentiate drones from natural phenomena like stars or satellites.

“Accurate identification is critical for maintaining safety and ensuring appropriate responses to UAS activity,” authorities said, reminding the public that firing lasers or weapons at any aircraft is both dangerous and illegal.

Laser strikes are a serious federal offense. According to the FAA, incidents of lasers being aimed at aircraft have skyrocketed in recent years, with over 9,400 reported cases in 2022 alone the highest on record. Even a brief laser flash can disorient pilots, impair vision, and jeopardize control of the aircraft, putting countless lives at risk.

The public’s heightened focus on drones stems from valid concerns about illegal operations, including spying, smuggling, and other illicit activity. However, knee-jerk reactions and misinformed behavior like shining lasers or discharging weapons only make the skies less safe for everyone.

Law enforcement emphasized they are working diligently to track down illegal drone operators and address concerns about UAS activity. However, authorities stressed that civilians must act responsibly and avoid dangerous behaviors.

As federal and local agencies continue to monitor drone activity, one message is clear: keep the lasers on the ground and leave aviation safety to the professionals.

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