FAA data reveals Bakersfield pilots reporting a number of laser strikes on airplanes
We're learning more about a dangerous trend that's putting the lives of pilots and their passengers at risk. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a trend of pilots reporting so-called laser strikes, which can blind them mid-air and put the lives of pilots and passengers at risk. In 2023, pilots reported over 1,300 of these strikes, a 41% increase from 2022, and in Bakersfield, 69 were reported at the Meadows Field Airport. The majority of these incidents occur in April. Additionally, KCSO reported a total of 25 laser strikes in 2022 and 2023.
Published : 4 months ago by http://www.facebook.com/pages/eyewitness-news-bakersfieldnow/91093559934, Eyewitness News, Leslie Santibanez-Molina in Travel
We're learning more about a dangerous trend that's putting the lives of pilots and their passengers at risk.
According to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration, more pilots are reporting so-called laser strikes. This is when a laser is pointed at an aircraft, which can blind the pilot in mid-air.
These so-called laser strikes reached an all-time high in 2023. Nationwide, pilots reported over 1,300 of these strikes, a 41% increase from 2022.
SIMILAR: FAA reports record number of laser strikes on airplanes in 2023
Eyewitness News took a closer look at the FAA data and learned that in Bakersfield pilots at the Meadows Field Airport reported a total of 69 laser strikes in 2023.
The majority of these cases happen in April. The lasers shined were green, blue, and red.
Outside of this data, we also learned that KCSO has experienced these strikes. In 2022 and 2023, they reported their helicopter had been hit with these beams a total of 25 times.
Topics: Airlines