Laser Operations

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, or LASERs, have many applications, both civilian and military, aviation and non-aviation.

Laser Operations

Introduction to Laser Operations

  • LASER is actually an acronym which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Laser Operations

Laser Operations Key Highlights

  • Laser operations can create serious flight hazards by distracting pilots and impairing vision during critical phases of flight.
  • Laser illumination may cause glare, flash blindness, afterimages, or temporary loss of night vision.
  • Aircraft are most vulnerable to laser hazards during low-altitude operations such as takeoff, approach, and landing.
  • Green lasers are especially hazardous because the human eye is highly sensitive to green light wavelengths.
  • Pilots encountering laser illumination should avoid looking directly at the source and maintain aircraft control.
  • Crew coordination and cockpit workload management are important during laser exposure events.
  • Pilots should report laser incidents promptly to air traffic control with aircraft position, altitude, and direction of the laser source if possible.
  • Federal regulations prohibit knowingly aiming lasers at aircraft due to the significant safety risks involved.
  • Temporary visual impairment from lasers can reduce situational awareness and increase operational workload.
  • Understanding laser operation hazards improves pilot preparedness, threat recognition, and overall flight safety.
Laser Operations

Laser Operations and Reporting Illumination of Aircraft

  • Lasers have many applications, both civilian and military, aviation and non-aviation
  • Of concern to users of the National Airspace System are those laser events that may affect pilots, e.g., outdoor laser light shows or demonstrations for entertainment and advertisements at special events and theme parks
  • Generally, the beams from these events appear as bright blue-green in color; however, they may be red, yellow, or white
    • However, some laser systems produce light which is invisible to the human eye
  • FAA regulations prohibit the disruption of aviation activity by any person on the ground or in the air
    • The FAA and the Food and Drug Administration (the Federal agency that has the responsibility to enforce compliance with Federal requirements for laser systems and laser light show products) are working together to ensure that operators of these devices do not pose a hazard to aircraft operators
  • Pilots should be aware that illumination from these laser operations are able to create temporary vision impairment miles from the actual location
    • In addition, these operations can produce permanent eye damage
    • Pilots should make themselves aware of where these activities are being conducted and avoid these areas if possible
  • Recent and increasing incidents of unauthorized illumination of aircraft by lasers, as well as the proliferation and increasing sophistication of laser devices available to the general public, dictates that the FAA, in coordination with other government agencies, take action to safeguard flights from these unauthorized illuminations
  • Pilots should report laser illumination activity to the controlling Air Traffic Control facilities, Federal Contract Towers or Flight Service Stations as soon as possible after the event with:
    1. UTC Date and Time of Event
    2. Call Sign or Aircraft Registration Number
    3. Type Aircraft
    4. Nearest Major City
    5. Altitude
    6. Location of Event (Latitude/Longitude and/or Fixed Radial Distance (FRD))
    7. Brief Description of the Event, and;
    8. Any other Pertinent Information
  • Pilots are also encouraged to complete the Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire located on the FAA Laser Safety Initiative website at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/report/laserinfo and submit electronically per the directions on the questionnaire, as soon as possible after landing
  • When a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, a general caution warning will be broadcasted on all appropriate frequencies every five minutes for 20 minutes and broadcasted on the ATIS for one hour following the report
    • PHRASEOLOGY-UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION EVENT:
      • "[UTC time], [location], [altitude], [color], [direction]"
    • EXAMPLE:
      • "Unauthorized laser illumination event, at 0100z, 8 mile final runway 18R at 3,000 feet, green laser from the southwest"
  • When these activities become known to the FAA, Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) are issued to inform the aviation community of the events
    • Pilots should consult NOTAMs or the Special Notices section of the Chart Supplement U.S. for information regarding these activities
Laser Operations

Laser Operations Conclusion

Laser Operations

Laser Operations References