federal aviation laser illumination of pilots in the national...

Presented to: 2009 International Laser Safety Conference

By: Van B. Nakagawara, O.D.Date: March 23-26, 2009

Federal AviationAdministration


Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NASMarch 23-26, 2009

Laser Illumination of

Pilots in the

National Airspace

System


2Federal AviationAdministration

Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS

March 23-26, 2009

What is a Laser?What is a Laser?

Light

Amplification by the

Stimulated

Emission of

Radiation

Light

Amplification by the

Stimulated

Emission of

Radiation

Lasers in Vision Care

The excimer lasers removes tissuefrom the cornea’s internal layers.

Lasers demonstrations are

used to attract and

entertain the public at

special events, theme

parks, and casinos.

Lasers demonstrations are

used to attract and

entertain the public at

special events, theme

parks, and casinos.

Defense LasersDefense Lasers

Other Outdoor LasersOther Outdoor Lasers

� Deep Space Communications

� Near-earth Object Imaging

� Astronomy

� Geographic Research

� Atmospheric Research

� Deep Space Communications

� Near-earth Object Imaging

� Astronomy

� Geographic Research

� Atmospheric Research

FAA Order 7400.2 Procedures for Handling

Airspace Matters, Part 6. Miscellaneous

Procedures, Chapter 29: Outdoor Laser

Operations.

FAA Order 7400.2 Procedures for Handling

Airspace Matters, Part 6. Miscellaneous

Procedures, Chapter 29: Outdoor Laser

Operations.




March 23-26, 2009

FAA Laser PolicyFAA Laser Policy

Prior to 1995, the FAA policy limited laser

exposure within the Nominal Ocular Hazard

Distance (NOHD) in navigable airspace to less

than the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

that can result in tissue damage.

Prior to 1995, the FAA policy limited laser

exposure within the Nominal Ocular Hazard

Distance (NOHD) in navigable airspace to less

than the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)

that can result in tissue damage.

Wavelength Effects

<300 nm: Corneal photokeratitis.

300 - 400 nm: Photochemical UV cataract.

400 - 780 nm: Photochemical and thermal retinal injury.

780 - 1400 nm: Cataract, retinal burns.

1400 - 3000 nm: Corneal burn, IR cataract.

>3000 nm: Corneal burn.

Wavelength Effects

<300 nm: Corneal photokeratitis.

300 - 400 nm: Photochemical UV cataract.

400 - 780 nm: Photochemical and thermal retinal injury.

780 - 1400 nm: Cataract, retinal burns.

1400 - 3000 nm: Corneal burn, IR cataract.

>3000 nm: Corneal burn.

NOTE: Optical gain of the eye is

about 105. In the retinal hazard

region (400 – 1400 nm),

irradiance of 1 mW/cm2 entering

the eye is increased to 100 W/cm2

at the retina.

NOTE: Optical gain of the eye is

about 105. In the retinal hazard

region (400 – 1400 nm),

irradiance of 1 mW/cm2 entering

the eye is increased to 100 W/cm2

at the retina.

Exceeding the MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)Exceeding the MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)




March 23-26, 2009

< MPE Illumination & Temporary Visual Impairment< MPE Illumination & Temporary Visual Impairment

• Glare – Obscuration of an object in a person's field of vision due to a bright light source near the same line-of sight (e.g., oncoming car headlights).

• Flashblindness – A visual interference effect that persists after the source of illumination has ceased.

• Afterimage – A reverse contrast shadow image left in the visual field after an exposure to a bright light that may persist for several minutes.

• Glare – Obscuration of an object in a person's field of vision due to a bright light source near the same line-of sight (e.g., oncoming car headlights).

• Flashblindness – A visual interference effect that persists after the source of illumination has ceased.

• Afterimage – A reverse contrast shadow image left in the visual field after an exposure to a bright light that may persist for several minutes.




March 23-26, 2009

Since 1976, the Food and Drug

Administration’s (FDA’s), Center for

Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)

has regulated the manufacturers of all laser

devices sold in the U.S. under Title 21 CFR

Parts 1010 & 1040. These devices include

lasers used to conduct outdoor laser light

shows (demonstrations).

Since 1976, the Food and Drug

Administration’s (FDA’s), Center for

Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)

has regulated the manufacturers of all laser

devices sold in the U.S. under Title 21 CFR

Parts 1010 & 1040. These devices include

lasers used to conduct outdoor laser light

shows (demonstrations).

FDA Laser RegulationFDA Laser Regulation




March 23-26, 2009

The manufacturer must certify that a laser

product’s performance meets applicable

CDRH performance standards and provide

labeling to indicate compliance and laser

hazard classification.

The manufacturer must certify that a laser

product’s performance meets applicable

CDRH performance standards and provide

labeling to indicate compliance and laser

hazard classification.

CDRH RegulationsCDRH Regulations




March 23-26, 2009

In late 1995, the FAA received reports of 52

incidents of aircraft illuminations from laser

lights in or near Las Vegas. Of these, 11

incidents resulted in temporary visual

impairment of flight crewmembers, and 24 took

place during critical phases of flight.

In late 1995, the FAA received reports of 52

incidents of aircraft illuminations from laser

lights in or near Las Vegas. Of these, 11

incidents resulted in temporary visual

impairment of flight crewmembers, and 24 took

place during critical phases of flight.

FAA Involvement




March 23-26, 2009

NTSB Report # LAX96IA032:

A Southwest Airline’s First Officer (FO)

was visually incapacitated on departure

from Las Vegas. The captain assumed

control of the aircraft. The FO experienced

eye pain and was temporarily blinded in

the right eye. Inability to see lasted for 30

seconds (10/95).

NTSB Report # LAX96IA032:

A Southwest Airline’s First Officer (FO)

was visually incapacitated on departure

from Las Vegas. The captain assumed

control of the aircraft. The FO experienced

eye pain and was temporarily blinded in

the right eye. Inability to see lasted for 30

seconds (10/95).

At the FAA’s request, the FDA issued a

moratorium ceasing all outdoor laser

activities in the Las Vegas area on Dec.

11, 1995. Government and laser

industry representatives met to develop

appropriate guidelines.

At the FAA’s request, the FDA issued a

moratorium ceasing all outdoor laser

activities in the Las Vegas area on Dec.

11, 1995. Government and laser

industry representatives met to develop

appropriate guidelines.




March 23-26, 2009

FAA Order 7400.2 was revised to establish

zones of navigable airspace around

airports to protect flight crewmembers

from temporary visual impairment during

critical flight operations.

FAA Order 7400.2 was revised to establish

zones of navigable airspace around

airports to protect flight crewmembers

from temporary visual impairment during

critical flight operations.

Available online at:http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/at_orders/media/AIR.pdf

Available online at:http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/at_orders/media/AIR.pdf

FAA Order 7400.2 FLIGHT ZONES

Potential Visual Effectsvary with Laser Power and Distance from Source

Potential Visual Effectsvary with Laser Power and Distance from Source




March 23-26, 2009

FAA Responsibilities:FAA Responsibilities:

• FAA Order 7400.2 requires the FAA to

conduct an aeronautical study for

purposed outdoor laser activities to

determine the potential effects upon

aircraft operations.

• FAA issues a letter of determination

(Objection or Non-Objection).

• FAA Order 7400.2 requires the FAA to

conduct an aeronautical study for

purposed outdoor laser activities to

determine the potential effects upon

aircraft operations.

• FAA issues a letter of determination

(Objection or Non-Objection).

Research was needed to validate the newly established exposure limits were adequate to ensure aviation safety for pilots in a cockpit environment.

Research was needed to validate the newly established exposure limits were adequate to ensure aviation safety for pilots in a cockpit environment.

FAA/USAFFlight Simulator StudyFAA/USAFFlight Simulator Study

� 34 Subjects

� 12 Approach and 4

Departure Maneuvers

� Frequency Doubled Nd:YAG

(532 nm) Laser

� 4 Levels of Laser Exposure

(included one zero level

exposure)

� 34 Subjects

� 12 Approach and 4

Departure Maneuvers

� Frequency Doubled Nd:YAG

(532 nm) Laser

� 4 Levels of Laser Exposure

(included one zero level

exposure)

Effects of Laser Illumination on

Operational and Visual Performance

of Pilots Conducting Terminal

Operations

Effects of Laser Illumination on

Operational and Visual Performance

of Pilots Conducting Terminal

Operations

FAA 737 Flight SimulatorView of final approach to runway at 100 feet AGLFAA 737 Flight SimulatorView of final approach to runway at 100 feet AGL

Kodak DC240, aperture f/2.8, shutter speed 1/6 sKodak DC240, aperture f/2.8, shutter speed 1/6 s

Irradiance level: 0.5 µW/cm2

Simulates the effect of a 5 mW green laser pointer as seen from 3,000 feet away, or a 300 mW laser from 16,000 feet away

Irradiance level: 5 µW/cm2

Simulates the effect of a 5 mW green laser pointer as seen from 1,000 feet away, or a 300 mW laser from 6,700 feet away

Simulates the effect of a 5 mW green laser pointer as seen from 330 feet away, or a 300 mW laser from 2,400 feet away

Simulates the effect of a 5 mW green laser pointer as seen from 330 feet away, or a 300 mW laser from 2,400 feet away

Irradiance level: 50 µW/cm2Irradiance level: 50 µW/cm2




March 23-26, 2009

Results of the simulator study

indicated that the changes made to

FAA Order 7400.2 were adequate to

protect aviators from visual

impairment in the Critical and Laser-

Free Zones around airports.

Results of the simulator study

indicated that the changes made to

FAA Order 7400.2 were adequate to

protect aviators from visual

impairment in the Critical and Laser-

Free Zones around airports.

Available at: http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/oamtechreports/index.cfmAvailable at: http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/oamtechreports/index.cfm

Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical ReportsOffice of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports

SAE Aerospace Recommended

Practice and Aerospace

Standard Reports

SAE Aerospace Recommended

Practice and Aerospace

Standard Reports

� ARP 5535 – Observers for Laser Safety in the Navigable Airspace

� ARP 5572 – Control Measures for Laser Safety in Navigable Airspace

� AS 4970 – Human Factors Considerations for Outdoor Laser Operations in the Navigable Airspace

� ARP 5535 – Observers for Laser Safety in the Navigable Airspace

� ARP 5572 – Control Measures for Laser Safety in Navigable Airspace

� AS 4970 – Human Factors Considerations for Outdoor Laser Operations in the Navigable Airspace

Guidance for Laser Proponents and Regulatory Personnel Include:Guidance for Laser Proponents and Regulatory Personnel Include:

American National Standards

Institute (ANSI):

� ANSI Z136.1- American National

Standard for Safe Use of Lasers



Outdoors

International Civil Aviation

Organization (ICAO):

� SARP (Standard and Recommended

Practice)

� Manual on Laser Emitters and Flight

Safety

American National Standards

Institute (ANSI):





Outdoors

International Civil Aviation

Organization (ICAO):

� SARP (Standard and Recommended

Practice)

� Manual on Laser Emitters and Flight

Safety

As incidents associated with laser displays

declined, the increased availability and

popularity of handheld lasers presented an

increasing threat to aviators. Between 1

January 2004 and 31 January 2005, there

were 90 reports of laser illumination. More

importantly, 93% occurred in the last 3

months of the study period.

As incidents associated with laser displays

declined, the increased availability and

popularity of handheld lasers presented an

increasing threat to aviators. Between 1

January 2004 and 31 January 2005, there

were 90 reports of laser illumination. More

importantly, 93% occurred in the last 3

months of the study period.

Laser Pointers – A New DilemmaLaser Pointers – A New Dilemma




March 23-26, 2009

In recent years, more powerful handheld

lasers have become affordable. Green

lasers are especially popular because they

can appear up to 35 times brighter than

some red laser pointers with similar

output power.

In recent years, more powerful handheld

lasers have become affordable. Green

lasers are especially popular because they

can appear up to 35 times brighter than

some red laser pointers with similar

output power.




March 23-26, 2009

Green laser pointers

are now responsible

for > 86% of aircraft

lazing incidents.

Their light (532 nm)

is near the human

eyes’ peak photopic

and scotopic

sensitivity.

Green laser pointers

are now responsible

for > 86% of aircraft

lazing incidents.

Their light (532 nm)

is near the human

eyes’ peak photopic

and scotopic

sensitivity.

.

Wavelengths: 405, 473, 532, 635, 650 nm

Power output: 5 – 400 mW

Range: up to 20 miles

Wavelengths: 405, 473, 532, 635, 650 nm

Power output: 5 – 400 mW

Range: up to 20 miles

Class 3B handheld lasers

are available on the Internet.

Within the NOHD, momentary

exposure (≤ 0.25 s) can cause

eye damage.

Class 3B handheld lasers

are available on the Internet.

Within the NOHD, momentary

exposure (≤ 0.25 s) can cause

eye damage.

Laser Pointers on SteroidsLaser Pointers on Steroids

On January 12, 2005, Secretary of Transportation, Norman

Mineta, announced the publication of a new Advisory Circular,

entitled “Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft” (AC No: 70-

02).

On January 12, 2005, Secretary of Transportation, Norman

Mineta, announced the publication of a new Advisory Circular,

entitled “Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft” (AC No: 70-

02).

DOT Secretary Announces New PolicyDOT Secretary Announces New Policy

New FAA policy

(AC 70-02) was

established to

protect aircrews

and passengers,

improve reporting

and enforcement,

and to discourage

future laser

incidents.

New FAA policy

(AC 70-02) was

established to

protect aircrews

and passengers,

improve reporting

and enforcement,

and to discourage

future laser

incidents.

Advisory Circular: AC 70-02Advisory Circular: AC 70-02




March 23-26, 2009

• The reporting process has improved,

• Communication and coordination

between local air traffic authorities and

law enforcement have been enhanced,

and

• Arrests of perpetrators have increased.

• The reporting process has improved,

• Communication and coordination

between local air traffic authorities and

law enforcement have been enhanced,

and

• Arrests of perpetrators have increased.

Since Issuance of AC 70-02:Since Issuance of AC 70-02:




March 23-26, 2009

The Frequency of Laser Incidents by YearThe Frequency of Laser Incidents by Year

Reports of illumination incidents for both the aircraft and, more importantly, the cockpit, have increased dramatically from 2004 through 2007.

Reports of illumination incidents for both the aircraft and, more importantly, the cockpit, have increased dramatically from 2004 through 2007.

Aircraft & Cockpit Illuminations By Year

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

INC

IDE

NT

S

COCKPIT 29 179 259 472 939

AIRCRAFT 46 348 451 687 1532

2004 2005 2006 2007 TOTAL




March 23-26, 2009

Dec. 29, 2004 - A New Jersey man was

charged under federal Patriot Act anti-

terrorism laws (fines up to $500,000 and/or

25 years in prison) after he allegedly shone

a green laser pointer at a commuter aircraft

from about 4,100 feet. Charges were later

reduced to lying to a federal agent.

Dec. 29, 2004 - A New Jersey man was

charged under federal Patriot Act anti-

terrorism laws (fines up to $500,000 and/or

25 years in prison) after he allegedly shone

a green laser pointer at a commuter aircraft

from about 4,100 feet. Charges were later

reduced to lying to a federal agent.




March 23-26, 2009

August 15, 2007 - The FBI arrested a 47-YO man

from Clint (TX) for shining a laser at commercial

airplanes. The confiscated device was a Class 3B

laser about the size of a flashlight. The FBI

believed he may be connected to three similar

illumination incidents. The suspect could have

faced up to 20 years in prison.

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/13903480/detail.html

August 15, 2007 - The FBI arrested a 47-YO man

from Clint (TX) for shining a laser at commercial

airplanes. The confiscated device was a Class 3B

laser about the size of a flashlight. The FBI

believed he may be connected to three similar

illumination incidents. The suspect could have

faced up to 20 years in prison.

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/13903480/detail.html




March 23-26, 2009

June 4, 2008 - A 24-YO man was charged with four

counts of discharging a laser and causing the

pilots to be temporary visual impaired or

disoriented. The green beam was directed at two

planes landing at Cleveland (OH) Hopkins

International Airport: a Life Flight helicopter, and a

Cleveland police helicopter. Police found the

suspect in the rear passenger seat of a car

holding the laser. He was later convicted and

sentenced to 3 years in prison. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/06/man_accused_of_pointing_laser.html

June 4, 2008 - A 24-YO man was charged with four

counts of discharging a laser and causing the

pilots to be temporary visual impaired or

disoriented. The green beam was directed at two

planes landing at Cleveland (OH) Hopkins

International Airport: a Life Flight helicopter, and a

Cleveland police helicopter. Police found the

suspect in the rear passenger seat of a car

holding the laser. He was later convicted and

sentenced to 3 years in prison. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/06/man_accused_of_pointing_laser.html




March 23-26, 2009

May 8, 2008 – A police helicopter pilot was

temporarily blinded by a laser illumination as he

flew over Lancashire (UK). The pilot took "evasive

action" while in mid-air to avoid crashing to the

ground during the incident. A 45-YO man was

arrested. It was the third incident in seven days

where a helicopter pilot had been dazzled by

lasers. The pens used had been bought on eBay

and were believed to be more powerful than a

normal laser pen.

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Man-arrested-in-helicopter-laser.4061881.jp

May 8, 2008 – A police helicopter pilot was

temporarily blinded by a laser illumination as he

flew over Lancashire (UK). The pilot took "evasive

action" while in mid-air to avoid crashing to the

ground during the incident. A 45-YO man was

arrested. It was the third incident in seven days

where a helicopter pilot had been dazzled by

lasers. The pens used had been bought on eBay

and were believed to be more powerful than a

normal laser pen.

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Man-arrested-in-helicopter-laser.4061881.jp




March 23-26, 2009

March 5, 2008 - Transport Canada reports indicate

laser incidents are occurring with an alarming

frequency. There have been 11 incidents reported

in Ontario since last March, but many more may

have gone unreported. A total of 33 pilots across

Canada have reported being flashed by a laser

beam while flying.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/309525

March 5, 2008 - Transport Canada reports indicate

laser incidents are occurring with an alarming

frequency. There have been 11 incidents reported

in Ontario since last March, but many more may

have gone unreported. A total of 33 pilots across

Canada have reported being flashed by a laser

beam while flying.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/309525




March 23-26, 2009

August 15, 2007 - Australia introduced 2-year jail

terms and fines of up to $30K for shining lasers

on aircraft in flight. The government says

incidents are happening 2-3/week in Australia.

Authorities have reports of 170 lasing incidents

since January 2006. The government announced it

would ban imports of high-intensity laser pointers

(effective July 1, 2008).

-perrett@aviationweek .com

August 15, 2007 - Australia introduced 2-year jail

terms and fines of up to $30K for shining lasers

on aircraft in flight. The government says

incidents are happening 2-3/week in Australia.

Authorities have reports of 170 lasing incidents

since January 2006. The government announced it

would ban imports of high-intensity laser pointers

(effective July 1, 2008).

-perrett@aviationweek .com




March 23-26, 2009

March 30, 2008 - Six aircraft flying into Sydney

(Australia) Airport were hit by blinding green lights

in what safety officials say is the city's worst laser

attack. It was the first recorded "cluster attack" in

which three or four people used lasers to make a

coordinated attack on aircraft coming into the

airport over heavily populated suburbs. Air traffic

control closed the approach flight path and

diverted incoming aircraft to a different runway,

forcing delays in some flights. The laser attacks

were from 10:15 to 10:30 pm.http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/laser-snipers-hit-planes/2008/03/29/1206207485440.html

March 30, 2008 - Six aircraft flying into Sydney

(Australia) Airport were hit by blinding green lights

in what safety officials say is the city's worst laser

attack. It was the first recorded "cluster attack" in

which three or four people used lasers to make a

coordinated attack on aircraft coming into the

airport over heavily populated suburbs. Air traffic

control closed the approach flight path and

diverted incoming aircraft to a different runway,

forcing delays in some flights. The laser attacks

were from 10:15 to 10:30 pm.http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/laser-snipers-hit-planes/2008/03/29/1206207485440.html




March 23-26, 2009

April 2008 - A new law proposed by the

Premier of New South Wales declares

possession of the handheld lasers a

serious crime, punishable by up to 14

years in prison, depending on the device’s

power. Weaker lasers could carry a $5,000

fine or 2 years in jail, and there would be

exemptions only for teachers,

construction crews, and certain scientists.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/australia-takes-on-laser-lunatics/?hp

April 2008 - A new law proposed by the

Premier of New South Wales declares

possession of the handheld lasers a

serious crime, punishable by up to 14

years in prison, depending on the device’s

power. Weaker lasers could carry a $5,000

fine or 2 years in jail, and there would be

exemptions only for teachers,

construction crews, and certain scientists.

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/australia-takes-on-laser-lunatics/?hp

Aircraft Cockpit Illumination by AltitudeAircraft Cockpit Illumination by Altitude

14.9%14.6%12.6%20.5%0%>10K Total

68.6%65.8%71.6%68.5%93.3%CFZ Total

3.1%3.0%2.3%3.4%13.3%9 – 9.9

6.2%4.1%6.3%10.3%13.3%8 – 8.9

5.5%4.7%6.8%5.5%6.7%7 – 7.9

9.1%8.8%10.8%7.5%6.7%6 – 6.9

7.4%6.3%7.2%11.0%0.0%5 – 5.9

11.0%8.8%14.4%10.3%20.0%4 – 4.9

13.1%13.8%12.6%11.0%26.7%3 – 3.9

13.3%16.3%11.3%9.6%6.7%2 – 2.9

Critical Flight Zone

16.5%19.6%15.8%11.0%6.7%LFZ Total

11.3%11.8%13.1%7.5%6.7%1 – 1.9

5.2%7.7%2.7%3.4%0.0%0 – 0.9

Laser Free Zone

TOTAL2007200620052004K Feet

Percentage of Cockpit Illuminationsby Altitude, Flight Zone and Year

Note: 16.5% of illuminations of the aircraft cockpit are below 2000 feet AGL. Almost 69% of illuminations are in the CFZ.Note: 16.5% of illuminations of the aircraft cockpit are below 2000 feet AGL. Almost 69% of illuminations are in the CFZ.

The incident rate was highest in the AWP (0.86/100K flight operations) for the 2004-2006 period.The incident rate was highest in the AWP (0.86/100K flight operations) for the 2004-2006 period.

Laser Incident Rate by Region and YearLaser Incident Rate by Region and Year

Traffic Volume by RegionTraffic Volume by RegionBy region, the percentage

of traffic volume is

disproportionate to the

rate of illuminations.

Note: The Western Pacific

region’s incident rate was

3.6 times higher than that

of the Southern region

(0.86 and 0.24/100K flight

operations, respectively)

although both had similar

traffic volumes (22 and

21%, respectively).

By region, the percentage

of traffic volume is

disproportionate to the

rate of illuminations.

Note: The Western Pacific

region’s incident rate was

3.6 times higher than that

of the Southern region

(0.86 and 0.24/100K flight

operations, respectively)

although both had similar

traffic volumes (22 and

21%, respectively).The percentage of traffic volume for a particular

region is the number of flight operations in that

region divided by the total number for the NAS.

The percentage of traffic volume for a particular

region is the number of flight operations in that

region divided by the total number for the NAS.

Incident clusters specific to a particular airport can distort the incident rate (per 100K flight operations) for an entire region. Clusters occur at random over periods of a few days or months.

Incident clusters specific to a particular airport can distort the incident rate (per 100K flight operations) for an entire region. Clusters occur at random over periods of a few days or months.

Airports with 10 or More Laser Incidents

Of 746 cockpit illuminations where altitude was provided,

8.6% described one or more adverse effects (2004-2007).

These include visual effects (8.2%), pain and/or possible

injury (1.6%), and operational problems (3.2%).

Of 746 cockpit illuminations where altitude was provided,

8.6% described one or more adverse effects (2004-2007).

These include visual effects (8.2%), pain and/or possible

injury (1.6%), and operational problems (3.2%).

642412192517TOTAL

910155≥10K

371379148CRITICAL

18105964LASER FREE

AFTER-IMAGEFLASH-

BLINDNESSGLARE

COCKPITILLUMINATIONS

OPERATIONALPROBLEM

PAIN/INJURY

VISUAL EFFECTS

ZONE

Visual and Physiological Effects and Operational Problems by Altitude




March 23-26, 2009

Percentage of Laser Illuminationsby

Percentage of Laser Illuminationsby

MonthMonth Type of FlightType of Flight

Laser Illuminations occur most frequently in November, December, and February,

and least frequently in May, June, and July. About 66% of all illuminations are of

commercial aircraft.

Laser Illuminations occur most frequently in November, December, and February,

and least frequently in May, June, and July. About 66% of all illuminations are of

commercial aircraft.




March 23-26, 2009

Percentage of Laser Illuminations by Time of Day

Percentage of Laser Illuminations by Time of Day

Note: Laser Illuminations occur most frequently from 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. Note: Laser Illuminations occur most frequently from 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.

� The incidence of illumination is significantly

higher in the Western Pacific region.

� Almost 70% of laser incidents occur between 2K

and 10K feet AGL

� Almost 70% of all incidents occur between the

hours of 7 to 11 pm (25% between 9 – 10 pm) .

� The fewest incidents occur during the months of

May, June, and July (16%).

� Percentage of incidents by type of flight:• 66% Commercial

• 6% Helicopters (Med Evac./Law Enf.)

� The incidence of illumination is significantly

higher in the Western Pacific region.

� Almost 70% of laser incidents occur between 2K

and 10K feet AGL

� Almost 70% of all incidents occur between the

hours of 7 to 11 pm (25% between 9 – 10 pm) .

� The fewest incidents occur during the months of

May, June, and July (16%).

� Percentage of incidents by type of flight:• 66% Commercial

• 6% Helicopters (Med Evac./Law Enf.)

SummarySummary

� Incidents associated with authorized laser

operations are rare, but illumination reports

from handheld lasers have increased in recent

years. This may be due to increased awareness

and a better reporting system (AC 70-2).

�Handheld lasers are cheaper and more powerful.

�Better consumer awareness may be needed

concerning misuse and potential penalties (e.g.,

FDA labeling).

�Continued monitoring by aviation & law

enforcement is warranted.

� Incidents associated with authorized laser

operations are rare, but illumination reports

from handheld lasers have increased in recent

years. This may be due to increased awareness

and a better reporting system (AC 70-2).

�Handheld lasers are cheaper and more powerful.

�Better consumer awareness may be needed

concerning misuse and potential penalties (e.g.,

FDA labeling).

�Continued monitoring by aviation & law

enforcement is warranted.

ConclusionsConclusions

federal aviation laser illumination of pilots in the national...

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