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Pilots flying over Utah are having problems with laser strikes

A pilot's view while flying a plane.
Kristopher Allison / Unsplash

Utah ranks as one of the worst states for pilots dealing with laser strikes.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that through the month of September, Utah ranked number eight with 203 laser strikes all occurring over Salt Lake City.

The FAA sayed aiming a laser at a pilot is extremely dangerous. Lasers can temporarily blind a pilot putting everyone on the plane, and the communities they are flying over, in danger.  The FAA reported that pilots reported 6,852 laser strikes in the nation in 2020.  This is an increase from previous years despite the pandemic reducing flights.

Those caught pointing a laser at a plane could owe up to $11,000 dollars in fines and could face criminal penalties for repeating offenses.

Emma Feuz is a senior at Utah State University majoring in broadcast journalism with minors in sociology and political science. She grew up in Evanston, Wyoming where, just like Utah State, the sagebrush also grows. Emma found her love of writing at an early age and slowly discovered her interest in all things audio and visual throughout her years in school. She is excited to put those passions to use at UPR. When school isn't taking up her time, Emma loves longboarding, cheering on the Denver Broncos, and cleaning the sink at Angies.