The FAA's formal reporting system in 2010 recorded a sharp increase in laser-related incidents at the same time that much more powerful handheld lasers began entering the market at significantly lower price points. The FAA recorded 2,836 laser-related complaints in 2010, which almost doubles the 1,527 incidents reported in 2009. Meanwhile, Class 4 lasers have become more affordable and more portable. One review of a sub-$300 handheld laser that was first made available last year says the device is "capable of blinding and/or burning someone almost instantly." Shining a laser at a commercial aircraft is a federal crime that can earn an offender up to 20 years in jail per charge and a $250,000 fine. Based on the FAA's figures, that's not having the desired effect. And pilots reportedly may now be in danger of more than very temporary vision loss.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/news/laser-incidents-danger-to-pilots-increase