Illegal Laser Targeting of AMO Aircraft in Texas Sparks Concern

There are thousands of flights departing and arriving in Texas daily, most of which are done safely and without issue.

Although there is a growing concern regarding lasers being pointed at aircrafts and our U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the latest incident took place in the Lone Star State.

Multiple Lasers at Aircrafts in Recent Months

There is so much information that is available to use from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection through their website when is where I found out about aircrafts being targets by lasers six times in the past four months.

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What Happened with the Lazer Pointed at an Aircraft in Texas?

According to the National Media Release, there was a crew and aircraft performing border security operations approximately 13 miles west of the McAllen International Airport on February 9th, 2025.

While completing their normal duties in an AS-350 helicopter the aircraft was struck three times with a laser that came from a vehicle along the Mexican riverbank.

No pilot or crew were injured, and the laser sightings are still under investigation.

Punishment for Aiming a Laser at any Piloted Aircraft

Owning a laser pointer isn’t illegal, but the second you shine that into a cockpit you’re committing a federal crime.

If convicted, you could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Pointing a laser beam at any aircraft can blind aircrew, this could lead to a midair collision or other dangerous incident.

It’s not a joke, don’t, ever, point a laser of any kind toward a commercial or military aircraft.