Washington ( CNN ) -- An increase in the number of brazen laser attacks on planes in the United States has reached an `` epidemic level . '' According to an FBI blog post , the number of incidents is projected to reach 3,700 by the end of the year , compared to just 283 in 2005 , a rise of more than 1,100 % . Last year , there were 3,592 reported laser incidents , the FAA said . The FBI cited the Internet as a source for cheap , easy to purchase hand-held gadgets about the size of fountain pens which have become more powerful in recent years . Lasers costing as little as a dollar can have ranges of 2 miles , the FBI said . Incidents on the rise , harsh penalties sought . The number of attacks is reaching an `` epidemic level , '' said George Johnson , a supervisory federal air marshal who is a liaison officer with the FBI . Lasers directed at aircraft can cause temporary blindness to pilots for a few seconds , posing risks during takeoffs and landings . `` Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is dangerous and reckless . Just do n't do it , '' Johnson said . Those who intentionally aim a laser at an aircraft can be prosecuted under two federal statutes , including a law put into effect this year that makes it punishable by up to five years in prison and $ 11,000 per violation without the benefit of a warning notice or counseling . An existing law allows punishment up to 20 years in prison and fines of $ 250,000 . Russian airliners targeted by 'laser hooligans ' Michael Huerta , acting FAA administrator , is on record as saying his department will `` aggressively '' prosecute violators . Laser incident reports have increased steadily since the FAA created a formal reporting system in 2005 to collect information from pilots . In 2011 , the FBI said those responsible for `` lasering '' aircraft fall into two general profiles , either minors with no criminal history or older men with criminal records . Human traffickers or drug runners have also sought `` to thwart airborne surveillance , '' according to the FBI .
Number of incidents is projected to reach 3,700 by the end of the year , FBI says . The FBI cited the Internet as a source for cheap , easy to purchase hand-held gadgets . Lasers directed at aircraft can cause temporary blindness to pilots .