CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pilot reported a laser was pointed at a medical helicopter in Concord that was en route to Charlotte-Douglas on Tuesday.
Officials said that dangerous glow is now shining light on a troubling trend in the air.
"What people don't realize is that one it hits our canopy it just lights up the inside," said Robbie Jones, a helicopter pilot.
In 2017, the FAA received nearly 7,000 reports of laser strikes on aircrafts. That's a 250% increase since they started tracking laser strikes in 2010.
At Charlotte- Douglas, as of June 15, Federal Aviation Administration reported there have been 35 laser strikes on aircrafts. Last year, there were 52 laser strikes.
Pilots said takeoff and landing are the most dangerous times for someone to target the plane.
"It could take 30 to 40 seconds before you get your full night vision back again and those 30 to 40 seconds could be very critical," said a pilot.
As lasers against aircraft numbers soar, so does the level of concern for passengers.
"It will make me nervous," said Suzann Voss.
While this is something scary from the ground up, it's not keeping Suzann Voss from flying.
"But will definitely make me think about safety," said Voss.
The possible penalty for pointing a laser at an aircraft is up to 20 years in prison and a quarter of a million-dollar fine.