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.