Laser Strikes on Aircraft Continue To Be Dangerously High
Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration last year. While that is a 3% decrease from 2023, shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and is a federal crime. People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.
Pilots have reported 328 injuries since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010. In 2024, pilots reported the highest numbers of laser strikes in these states: California – 1,489, Texas – 1,463, Florida – 810, Tennessee – 649, Illinois – 622, Arizona – 550, New York – 531, Indiana – 512, Georgia – 416 and Virginia – 415.
The FAA encourages people to report laser strikes to the FAA at faa.gov/aircraft/safety/report/laserinfo/report_incident and to local law enforcement agencies. Source: FAA
FAA Implements Program To Protect Pilots’ Personal Information
The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a program strongly advocated for by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association that allows aircraft owners to request that certain personal information be kept private, including their name and address.
AOPA advocated for pilot privacy in last year’s FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. As a result of this congressional action and the FAA’s implementation, pilots can now submit a request through the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services to have their information withheld from public display on all FAA websites.
On a related note, AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance also sent a letter to acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau urging the agency to stand by its commitment to ensuring data emitted from an aviation safety tool onboard an aircraft, known as ADS-B, which allows aircraft and air traffic controllers to determine location, speed and other parameters, not be used by third parties to collect airport fees from private pilots.
Pleasance also noted that in addition to ADS-B data being used for billing pilots for airport fees without their consent, they “are increasingly being targeted with enforcement actions and frivolous lawsuits – things that are far from the ADS-B equipage mandate’s original purpose.” Source: AOPA
New President and CEO Takes Reins at GAMA
James A. Viola officially assumed the role of president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association in March. Viola is GAMA’s sixth president and CEO since its founding, 55 years ago; he succeeds Pete Bunce, who served as GAMA’s president and CEO since 2005.
Viola came to GAMA from Vertical Aviation International, where he served as president and CEO since 2020. He led VAI in representing and supporting the interests of the global helicopter industry and other vertical aviation stakeholders. Additionally, Viola spearheaded the association’s rebranding from Helicopter Association International to VAI, which widened the association’s focus to encompass the rapid expansion and technological evolution occurring in vertical aviation.
Prior to VAI, Viola spent over a decade at the FAA. His last role at the agency was director of General Aviation Safety Assurance, where he was responsible for maintaining consistency and standardization in the application of safety oversight activities for the general aviation community. Additionally, Viola spent over two decades as a U.S. Army aviator, achieving the rank of colonel. He is an airline transport pilot and certified flight instructor for helicopters and airplanes and has accumulated more than 8,000 flight hours, including 1,100 with night-vision goggles. Source: GAMA
National Aviation Hall of Fame Honors GAMA CEO and Team
The National Aviation Hall of Fame announced that Pete Bunce, former president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the GAMA team are the recipients of the 2025 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award. The honor recognizes their collective leadership, advocacy and lasting contributions to the advancement of general aviation.
In making the announcement, NAHF said: Under Pete Bunce’s leadership, GAMA consistently championed safety, innovation and workforce development within the aviation sector while promoting the broader societal benefits of general aviation. Through initiatives like the Aviation Design Challenge, which engages high school students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education through aviation-focused projects, and advocacy for sustainable aviation technologies, GAMA has inspired the next generation of aviators and innovators. Their commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing safety standards, and supporting charitable aviation causes reflects a sustained dedication to serving national needs.
The recipients will be honored during the President’s Reception on Sept. 18 as part of the NAHF 61st Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony in Wichita, Kansas. The 2025 enshrinees are Julie Clark, John Goglia, Mae Jemison, Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton (USAF Ret.), Phoebe Omlie and Frank Robinson. More than 500 people, including aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders and several returning enshrines, are expected to attend two days of events. The events are open to the public by advance registration only. Source: nationalaviation.org