GoKawiilFAA and aviation safety experts warn laser pointers can blind pilots mid-flight
Laser beams that appear as a small dot up close spread out significantly over distance, and when combined with a scratched or curved cockpit windshield, can scatter into a wide glare across a pilot's field of view. This is especially dangerous during takeoff and landing, when planes fly low and pilots' eyes are already dilated at night, raising the risk of temporary flash blindness. Helicopters, including police, medical and news choppers, face even greater exposure since they frequently fly low over populated areas after dark.