NPR:
The Federal Aviation Administration has
released
a report saying that in 2010 there were 2836 reported cases
of lasers pointed at aircraft, almost double the 2009 number.
According to the FAA, the problem is growing because of a
number of factors, such as lasers' increasing availability,
decreasing cost, and higher power levels, and the introduction
of green lasers, which are more easily seen than red ones.
Because lasers have the potential to distract and injure
pilots, the FAA asks that any planned use of lasers, such as
for light shows or scientific research,
be
approved in advance.
