The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a national campaign to deter people pointing lasers at aircraft.
Laser strikes are described as people deliberately targeting aircraft with handheld lasers and since the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration began tracking laser strikes in 2005, incidents have increased more than 1,100 percent.
The pilot program aimed at raising awareness launched in February 2014 in 12 field offices has already has seen a 19 percent decrease of incidents. The national campaign will outreach efforts will include digital billboards, radio public service announcements, social media and more in order to bring attention to the crime of laser strikes.
Air Line Pilots Association International President Captain Lee Moak said that “Intentionally aiming a laser at an aircraft poses a serious threat to those in the air and on the ground.”
The FBI stated that they believe many laser strikes go unreported every year and anyone who would like to report incidents or has information on incidents should call the Anchorage FBI at 907-276-4441.
