News and Updates – Laser Strikes Increase Even with Fewer Planes Flying

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WASHINGTONLaser strikes against pilots increased in 2020 even with the overall decrease in air traffic operations. In 2020, pilots reported 6,852 laser strikes to the FAA. This is an increase from 6,136 laser strikes reported in 2019 and is the highest number reported to the agency since 2016.

The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) remains vigilant in raising awareness about misuse of lasers when they are pointed towards aircraft. Intentionally aiming lasers at an aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.

The FAA works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against people who purposely aim a laser at an aircraft. The agency takes enforcement action against people who violate Federal Aviation Regulations by shining lasers at aircraft and can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. The FAA has imposed civil penalties up to $30,800 against people for multiple laser incidents.

Please watch ourvideoabout the dangers of lasers, statistics on laser strikes and read ourfact sheet for more information.

News and Updates – FAA Selects Five Airports to Test and Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Detection and Mitigation Systems

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Airports will evaluate technologies and systems that could detect and mitigate safety risks posed by unmanned aircraft.

News and Updates – Fly Safe: Expanding Your Horizons

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the general aviation community national #FlySafe campaign helps educate airmen about safety.

This months topic explores ways for pilots to safely prepare and train for new or unfamiliar flight environments.

A recent study of general aviation accidents suggests that transition training and experience in diverse flight environments can improve a pilots ability to recognize and successfully respond to new challenges.

This article explores some ways to can expand your aeronautical skill set, whether its flying a new type of aircraft or in a totally new environment. Done properly, both can help bolster safety and foster the fun of flying.

Read more on this important topic on the FAA blog, Cleared for Takeoff.

News and Updates – Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers May Receive Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine, With Appropriate Precautions

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WASHINGTON Following the Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Johnson & Johnsons Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that pilotsand others who perform safety sensitive duties may receive the vaccine under the conditions of their FAA-issued airman medical certification. FAA and contract air traffic controllers, who are subject to FAA medical clearance, may also receive the vaccine.

To maintain the highest level of safety in the National Airspace System, the FAA will require the affected recipients of this single-dose vaccine to wait 48 hours before conducting safety sensitive aviation duties, such as flying or controlling air traffic. The waiting period, which accounts for potential side effects, applies to those holding an Airman Medical Certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 67 or a Medical Clearance issued under FAA Order 3930.3C.

The FAAs medical professionals will continuously monitor the initial distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and will adjust the recommendations as needed.

The FAA will evaluate additional vaccines as they receive FDA emergency use authorization and will advise pilots and air traffic controllers of any required waiting periods. The agency previously cleared the FDA-approved Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for aviation use, subject to the same 48-hour waiting period.

The FAA applies similar brief waiting periods after administration of other vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and typhoid.

For more information, please visit the Medical Certification page on our website.

News and Updates – FAA Offers Hiring Opportunity for Experienced Controllers

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The FAA is accepting applications nationwide from people with experience in controlling air traffic, such as former civilian and military controllers. The application period is Feb. 26 Mar. 2, 2021.

The announcement is open to candidates who have maintained at least 52 consecutive weeks of air traffic control experience involving the full-time active separation of air traffic. The candidate must have an air traffic control certification or facility ratingwithin five yearsof application while serving at any of the following:

  • An FAA air traffic control facility.
  • A civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense.
  • A tower operating under contract with the FAA under Section 4712.

Following are other qualifications required:

  • United States citizenship.
  • No older than 35 years of age on or before the closing date of the vacancy.
  • Depending on the nature of an applicant’s previous air traffic controller experience, other qualifications may be required for employment.

Applicants must be willing to work at any FAA air traffic facility, and may be required to attend specialized training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

See the full application for employment at faa.usajobs.gov.The FAA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.