Any person who interferes with or threatens to interfere with the operation of any aircraft, unless he is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration or the armed forces of the United States, on or over the territory of the Commonwealth shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Where the act or acts of interference or threatened interference are of such a nature as to endanger the life of the aircraft's operator or the life of any other person, the person interfering or threatening to interfere shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. Any person who knowingly and intentionally projects a point of light from a laser, laser gun sight, or any other device that simulates a laser at an aircraft is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Venue for the issuance of a warrant for the arrest and trial of any such person is hereby conferred upon any court having criminal jurisdiction in the political subdivision in the Commonwealth where the aircraft either took off prior to such offense, or where it lands or comes to rest subsequent to such offense, or in or over which the offense occurred.
Code 1950, § 5-14.3; 1958, c. 561, § 3; 1966, c. 576; 1983, c. 560; 2012, c. 398.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 1 - Aircraft, Airmen and Airports Generally
§ 5.1-1. (Effective until July 1, 2025) Definitions
§ 5.1-1. (Effective July 1, 2025) Definitions
§ 5.1-1.1. Creation of Department of Aviation
§ 5.1-1.2. Appointment of Director; term; vacancies
§ 5.1-1.3. Oath and bond of Director; salary
§ 5.1-1.4. Enforcement of laws, rules and regulations
§ 5.1-1.5. General powers of Department
§ 5.1-1.7. Suits to enjoin violations of title
§ 5.1-2.2. Powers and duties of Board
§ 5.1-2.2:1. Further powers and duties of the Board
§ 5.1-2.2:2. Commercial air service plan
§ 5.1-2.2:3. Transparency and accountability in the use of Commonwealth Aviation Fund revenues
§ 5.1-2.2:4. Transparency and accountability for use of Department and Board funds
§ 5.1-2.3. Meetings of Board; quorum
§ 5.1-2.5. Eminent domain; right of entry
§ 5.1-2.6. Disposal of airport, air navigation facility or other property
§ 5.1-2.7. Revenue bonds generally
§ 5.1-2.8. Trust agreement securing bonds
§ 5.1-2.10. Moneys received deemed trust funds
§ 5.1-2.11. Proceedings by bondholder or trustee to enforce rights
§ 5.1-2.12. Bonds made securities for investment and deposit
§ 5.1-2.13. Revenue refunding bonds; bonds for refunding and for cost of additional projects
§ 5.1-2.14. Contracts, leases, and other arrangements
§ 5.1-2.15. Resolutions, rules and regulations, etc.
§ 5.1-2.16. Grants or loans of public or private funds
§ 5.1-2.17. Exemptions from taxes or assessments; payments to county or city in lieu of taxes
§ 5.1-2.18. Joint agency or authority; agreements authorized; terms
§ 5.1-2.19. Same; governing body; officers and agents; powers generally
§ 5.1-2.20. Same; eminent domain
§ 5.1-2.21. Same; disposal of airport or facility
§ 5.1-2.22. Acquisition of airport previously operated by United States
§ 5.1-2.23. Board as successor to Virginia Airports Authority
§ 5.1-2.24. Applicability of certain sections
§ 5.1-4. Aircraft for use of Department; construction, etc., of aviation facilities by Department
§ 5.1-5. Registration of aircraft
§ 5.1-7. Licensing of airports and landing areas
§ 5.1-7.2. Registration of private landing areas not within five miles of commercial airport
§ 5.1-7.3. Duty of care and liability for damages of owners of private landing areas
§ 5.1-9.2. Contract carriers; permit and registration required
§ 5.1-9.3. Same; application for permit; fee; action of Department
§ 5.1-9.6. Same; duration and custody of bonds, etc.
§ 5.1-9.7. Same; condition of bond, etc.
§ 5.1-9.8. Same; effect of failure to give or maintain adequate security
§ 5.1-9.9. Same; duration of permits; suspension or revocation; penalty
§ 5.1-11. Government-owned aircraft
§ 5.1-12. Federally certificated airlines and interstate service
§ 5.1-14. Operation of unregistered aircraft
§ 5.1-15. Operation of aircraft by unlicensed persons
§ 5.1-16.1. Misuse of licensed airports
§ 5.1-17. Use of aircraft for hunting
§ 5.1-21. Powers of conservator of the peace conferred upon pilot
§ 5.1-21.1. Powers of conservators of the peace conferred upon airport managers or designees
§ 5.1-22. Interference with operation of aircraft; penalties; venue
§ 5.1-23. Jurisdiction of local and State Police
§ 5.1-25. Operation of aircraft by nonresident
§ 5.1-25.1. Permit required for erection of certain structures
§ 5.1-25.2. Application for permit; notice and hearing
§ 5.1-25.3. When permit issued or denied; conditions to issuance