From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov Transcript for: Aircraft and Laser Incidents Description: FAA considers each laser incident an in-flight emergency, because of the potential for an accident and adverse effects of lasers on pilots. FAA data show the number of incidents in 2021 was the highest on record, with 9,273 incidents reported—an increase of about 42 percent from 2020. GAO analyzed FAA and Department of Justice data from July 2016 through September 2020 on enforcement actions; and interviewed 15 aviation and local law enforcement entities to obtain a range of perspectives. GAO is recommending that FAA determine what information is most useful for investigating laser incidents and how best to collect and share it with law enforcement; routinely seek investigation and enforcement data from agencies for reporting to Congress; and explore re-establishing an interagency working group to collaborate on laser incident outreach. Related GAO Works: GAO-22-104664. Laser Incidents Released: August 2022 People are increasingly pointing lasers at aircraft. It's a crime and a growing safety concern. Law enforcement often has difficulty identifying those involved. Pilots are asked to complete a lengthy, voluntary questionnaire but the survey response rate is low. For example, in one recent year, just 12% responded. FAA and federal law enforcement had an interagency group to address laser safety, but the group dissolved in 2015. GAO has 3 recommendations to FAA, including improving efforts to collect and share information with law enforcement and explore reestablishing the working group. [ End ] For more info, check out our report GAO-22-104664 at: GAO.gov