FAA Sees 14 Percent Drop in Laser Pointer Strikes on Aircraft in 2025

California leads the nation with more than 1,300 reported incidents, according to the agency’s study.

An image by the Federal Aviation Administration shows what happens when a laser pointer is aimed at a cockpit. Pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety risk and is against the law. Courtesy of FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) saw a significant drop in laser pointer strikes in 2025, which it attributes to pilots actively reporting incidents.

“Laser strikes are decreasing, thanks to a strong pilot reporting culture that is providing the data we need for community engagement and work with local law enforcement,” Ben Supko, FAA associate administrator of security and intelligence organization, said in a statement.