FAA says laser strikes on aircraft fell for the third consecutive year

The FAA reported 4,470 laser-strike incidents on aircraft from January to July 2026, a 24% decline from the same period in 2025. California and Texas recorded the most reports (614 and 445, respectively), while New Mexico and Hawaii had the highest per-capita rates. Since 2010, pilots have reported 322 injuries, and offenders face fines up to $11,000 per violation, potential federal prison terms of up to five years, and fines up to $250,000.