Lasers and aviation safety

Abstract

When laser beams intersect an aircraft’s path, a hazard can result. There are four primary areas of concern: distraction, glare, and temporary flashblindness (for visible laser wavelengths only) and eye injuries (for all laser wavelengths). The threat level depends on factors including: type and power of the laser, how the laser is operated, day vs. night, aircraft motion and distance, flight phase, pilot workload and pilot awareness of laser hazards. There are two primary ways to minimize or eliminate these hazards: careful and responsible laser use on the ground to avoid aircraft, and pilot knowledge of procedures to follow in case of accidental or deliberate laser exposure.Since the early 1990s, the industry group SAE G-10T Laser Safety Hazards Subcommittee has developed guidance for laser users and aviation regulators. Responsible laser users have followed governmental reporting procedures derived from SAE recommendations. These include U.S. FAA Order 7400.2 and U.K. CAA CAP 736. The threat to aviation is now primarily due to irresponsible users of low-cost, high-visibility, hard-to-regulate laser pointers. Helicopters especially may be at risk, although they also have the ability to track rogue pointer users. The number and nature of incidents has led to a ban, or proposed ban, on laser pointers in some jurisdictions. Also, those who misuse laser pointers are at risk from arrest and even jail time; a number of people have already been caught and prosecuted.When laser beams intersect an aircraft’s path, a hazard can result. There are four primary areas of concern: distraction, glare, and temporary flashblindness (for visible laser wavelengths only) and eye injuries (for all laser wavelengths). The threat level depends on factors including: type and power of the laser, how the laser is operated, day vs. night, aircraft motion and distance, flight phase, pilot workload and pilot awareness of laser hazards. There are two primary ways to minimize or eliminate these hazards: careful and responsible laser use on the ground to avoid aircraft, and pilot knowledge of procedures to follow in case of accidental or deliberate laser exposure.Since the early 1990s, the industry group SAE G-10T Laser Safety Hazards Subcommittee has developed guidance for laser users and aviation regulators. Responsible laser users have followed governmental reporting procedures derived from SAE recommendations. These include U.S. FAA Order 7400.2 and U.K. CAA CAP 736. The threat to aviatio...