Regulations & Safety
Laser Strikes on Aircraft: Rising Threat and Legal Consequences
Analysis of increasing laser strike incidents, FAA enforcement trends, and Houston case study showing 15-month federal sentence for offender.
In an era where aviation safety continues to evolve with cutting-edge technology, a surprisingly low-tech threat has emerged as a persistent concern: laser strikes. These incidents, involving handheld laser pointers aimed at aircraft, may seem trivial at first glance. However, their implications for flight safety are anything but minor. The recent sentencing of Jordan Dwaynel Jackson, a Houston resident, to 15 months in federal prison for pointing a laser at a police helicopter, underscores the gravity with which authorities treat these offenses.
This case is not an isolated incident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), laser strikes have been steadily increasing across the United States, with 12,840 reported in 2024 alone. Texas, and particularly Houston, has emerged as one of the hotspots for such events due to its dense urban environment and busy airspace. The Jackson case serves as a focal point for examining the legal, technological, and societal dimensions of this growing issue.
Under U.S. federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 39A, it is illegal to knowingly aim a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path. Violators can face up to five years in prison for a first offense, and up to 20 years if the act results in bodily harm. This legislation was strengthened through the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, reflecting the increasing concern over aviation safety.
Jordan Dwaynel Jackson, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to aiming a green laser at a Houston Police Department helicopter on November 11, 2021. According to court documents, the aircraft was flying over the Texas Southern University campus when it was struck by the laser. Officers onboard were able to trace the beam to Jackson, who was later found in possession of two green lasers.
Initially charged with two counts—one for the police helicopter and another for a Southwest Airlines plane—Jackson entered a plea deal that led to the dismissal of the second charge. U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal sentenced him to 15 months in federal prison, with half of the sentence to be served concurrently with an 18-year state sentence for an unrelated aggravated sexual assault conviction.
“Laser strikes on aircraft pose a direct threat to the safety of pilots, crew, and passengers,” FAA Official Statement, 2024 Laser strikes are not merely disruptive; they can be dangerous. Pilots exposed to laser beams may experience temporary flash blindness, afterimages, and glare—conditions that are especially hazardous during takeoff and landing. The FAA has emphasized that even brief exposure can compromise a pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft safely.
On the night of Jackson’s offense, Hobby Airport reported four aircraft struck by green lasers. This led to the deployment of a police helicopter, which was also targeted. The incident illustrates how one individual with a laser pointer can affect multiple flights, endanger lives, and trigger a significant law enforcement response.
In 2024 alone, the FAA recorded 12,840 laser strike reports, a slight decrease from 13,304 in 2023. Texas remains among the top states for such incidents, and Houston’s dense population and high volume of air traffic contribute to its vulnerability. Federal and local authorities have ramped up efforts to identify and prosecute offenders. The FBI and FAA collaborate to investigate incidents, often using aircraft equipped with laser detection technology to trace the source. When suspects are apprehended, prosecutors increasingly seek prison sentences to deter future violations.
The Jackson case is part of a broader trend toward stricter sentencing. While earlier cases often resulted in fines or probation, recent judgments reflect a zero-tolerance approach. This shift aligns with the FAA’s public messaging and the aviation community’s calls for tougher penalties.
Legal experts note that the dual nature of these crimes—violating both aviation and public safety laws—makes them particularly serious. Judges are encouraged to consider the potential for mass casualties when determining sentences, even in cases where no accident occurred.
As laser strikes have become more prevalent, airports and law enforcement agencies have begun deploying specialized technology to detect and locate laser sources in real-time. These systems use sensors mounted on aircraft or ground units to triangulate the origin of a laser beam.
Such technologies have proven effective in assisting law enforcement during active incidents. In Jackson’s case, the helicopter crew was able to visually locate the source and direct ground units to the suspect’s location. However, broader adoption of these systems remains limited due to cost and logistical challenges.
Industry leaders argue that investment in detection infrastructure is essential to protect both commercial and law enforcement aviation. As technology becomes more affordable, it is expected that more airports will integrate these systems into their safety protocols.
In addition to enforcement and technology, education plays a critical role. The FAA has launched several public awareness campaigns aimed at informing citizens about the dangers and legal consequences of laser strikes. These efforts include online ads, school outreach programs, and informational posters at airports.
Local police departments have also joined the effort. In Houston, community meetings and media briefings have been used to emphasize that laser misuse is not a prank—it’s a federal crime. Authorities urge residents to report any observed laser activity near flight paths. Despite these initiatives, many offenders remain unaware of the severity of their actions. Experts suggest that integrating laser safety education into school science curricula could help address the issue at its root, particularly among teenagers and young adults who are often the perpetrators.
Some states and municipalities have introduced laws restricting the sale and possession of high-powered laser pointers. These measures aim to limit access to devices capable of reaching aircraft altitudes. In Texas, proposals have been made to require licensing for certain laser devices.
At the federal level, the FAA continues to advocate for enhanced penalties and broader authority to regulate laser devices. While the current legal framework allows for prosecution, enforcement is often reactive rather than preventive.
Experts like Dr. Lisa Martinez of the University of Texas argue that a combination of federal and local regulations is necessary. “Even a brief laser flash can disrupt a pilot’s vision during critical flight phases,” she notes. “Stronger laws can serve as both a deterrent and a preventive measure.”
The sentencing of Jordan Dwaynel Jackson marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against laser strikes on aircraft. It sends a clear message: these acts are not harmless pranks but serious crimes with potentially catastrophic consequences. As the number of incidents continues to rise, so too does the urgency for comprehensive solutions.
Looking ahead, a multi-pronged approach involving enforcement, technology, public education, and legislative action will be essential. The aviation industry, law enforcement, and communities must work together to ensure that the skies remain safe for all. The Jackson case serves as a stark reminder of the risks—and the responsibilities—we all share in protecting public safety.
What are the dangers of pointing a laser at an aircraft? Is it illegal to point a laser at a plane? How common are laser strikes in the U.S.?
Laser Strikes on Aircraft: A Growing Threat to Aviation Safety
The Legal Framework and the Jackson Case
Understanding the Law
Incidents and Impact
Enforcement and Prosecution Trends
Technological and Policy Responses
Detection and Mitigation Tools
Public Awareness Campaigns
Legislative and Regulatory Measures
Conclusion
FAQ
Laser beams can cause temporary blindness, disorientation, and visual impairment for pilots, especially during takeoff and landing phases.
Yes. Under U.S. federal law (18 U.S.C. § 39A), knowingly aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
According to the FAA, there were 12,840 reported laser strike incidents in 2024 alone, with Texas being one of the most affected states.
Sources
Photo Credit: ABC7