FBI launches campaign to raise laser threat awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Representatives from the FBI announced a national campaign to deter people from pointing lasers at aircraft at a press conference June 3, 2014, in Wichita, Kansas.

"Lasing" is a federal violation that can endanger pilots, passengers and those on the ground. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of any individual who aims a laser at an aircraft. The reward is available for the next 90 days.

"[We] hope to build off the success of the initial launch in February and not only reduce the threat but continue to generate public awareness about the dire consequences of lasing and the understanding that it is a violation of federal law," said Michael Kaste, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Kansas City Division.

According to Federal Aviation Administration data, deliberate targeting of aircraft with handheld lasers since 2005 has increased more than 1,100 percent, while according to the Wichita Airport Police and Fire Division the number of reported strikes in the Wichita area increased 130 percent from 2012 to 2013.

Reported incidents of lasing come from private civilian, commercial and military aircraft, and the KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to McConnell AFB are just as prone to this type of attack.

"Our primary concern will always be the safety of our aircrews and how we operate our aircraft wherever we go in the world, but especially here in the local community," said Lt. Col. Stephen Matthews, 349th Air Refueling Squadron commander and McConnell AFB representative. "We certainly take it seriously and it is a concern for us to ensure that we not only keep our pilots safe but you safe as well."

Reported incidents have decreased by 19 percent since the launch of the pilot program in February 2014. The initial launch was fielded in 12 major metropolitan areas of the country, to include Wichita.

"Anyone who endangers the safety of flight crews and air travelers by shining a laser at an aircraft is subject to federal prosecution," said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

To report a lasing incident, contact the FBI Wichita Office at (316) 262-0031. For more information, please visit www.fbi.gov.

Editor's note: Information from an FBI Kansas City Division press release was used in this article.