MISSOULA, Mont. — A Kalispell man was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for repeatedly aiming a laser pointer at aircraft flying over the area, a dangerous act that authorities say jeopardized the safety of multiple pilots and passengers, including juveniles.
Nolan Wayne Hamman, 32, pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2024, admitting to targeting planes with a laser pointer over the course of several months in 2023. On Nov. 25, 2023, a flight instructor flying a plane over Kalispell contacted authorities after noticing a laser being aimed directly at the aircraft. The instructor, who was accompanied by a minor student, immediately called 911, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly located Hamman on the ground, in possession of a laser pointer, and he admitted to directing the beam at the aircraft. Investigators determined that Hamman had engaged in the dangerous behavior for several months, with evidence indicating that he believed the planes were tracking him. The consistent targeting of aircraft posed significant risks not only to the pilots but also to the safety of those on the ground in Kalispell.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich emphasized the severity of Hamman’s actions, pointing out that the laser pointer incidents endangered numerous individuals, including two juveniles. The prosecution underscored the potential for catastrophic outcomes, given the blinding effect lasers can have on pilots, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
In addition to his prison sentence, Hamman will serve three years of supervised release. The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kalispell Police Department.
Hamman’s case serves as a reminder of the serious risks associated with laser pointers when misused and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to ensure the safety of air travel. The prosecution and subsequent sentencing aim to deter similar incidents in the future.
