Why it’s illegal to shine laser pointers at aircraft

GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. – Michigan State Police are reminding residents to not shine lasers at aircraft.

The warning comes after troopers arrested someone in Grosse Pointe Park after they reportedly shined a laser at a Michigan State Police helicopter Monday, June 24.

Footage of the incident can be watched in the video player above.

Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft has been a federal crime since 2012.

Your eyes become significantly more sensitive to light in dark environments and a laser pointer could potentially flashblind or incapacitate a pilot. Even if the sight damage is temporary, having someone experiencing issues with their vision piloting an aircraft is a safety hazard to people inside and outside the aircraft.

Additionally, a beam can bounce off the windshield and cause the cockpit to experience bright flashes, similar to a camera flash. Even a weak beam can be a distraction to the crew, causing glare or disorientation.

Lasers directed at aircraft have resulted in some municipalities restricting access to laser pointers.

On a federal level, shining a laser at an aircraft can result in penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. On a state level, it can be punished by up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.