House Vote Advances Efforts to Thwart Laser Attacks on Aircraft
Making Laser Strikes a Federal Crime Part of ALPA Action Plan

WASHINGTON – Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement after a unanimous vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2011 (H.R. 386) that would make shining a laser at an aircraft a federal crime.

“Airline pilots strongly commend today’s unanimous passage by the U.S. House of the Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2011 (H.R. 386) that would make it a federal offense to shine a laser at an aircraft.

“Both Houses of Congress have now taken action to make it clear that shining a laser at an aircraft is a dangerous act and that committing such an act should carry a penalty that reflects the serious threat it poses.

“ALPA gratefully acknowledges Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) for leading this bipartisan effort in the House and for his staunch resolve to eliminate the risk to passengers and pilots from laser attacks on aircraft.

“Making deliberately illuminating an aircraft with a laser a federal offense is an important element of the regulatory, legislative, and public awareness action plan put forth by ALPA to end deliberate laser illumination of aircraft and the risk it poses.

“ALPA calls on Congress to swiftly finalize the bill and send it to President Obama for his signature.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media Relations, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org