1. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the National Airspace System

2. Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation
What is a Laser?
Light
Amplification by the
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation

3. Lasers in Vision Care The excimer lasers removes tissue
from the cornea’s internal layers.

5. Lasers demonstrations are used to attract and entertain the public at special events, theme parks, and casinos.

6. Defense Lasers

7. Other Outdoor Lasers Deep Space Communications
Near-earth Object Imaging
Astronomy
Geographic Research
Atmospheric Research

8. FAA Order 7400. 2 Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, Part 6
FAA Order Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, Part 6. Miscellaneous Procedures, Chapter 29: Outdoor Laser Operations.

9. FAA 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.

10. Exceeding the MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)
Wavelength Effects
<300 nm: Corneal photokeratitis.
nm: Photochemical UV cataract.
nm: Photochemical and thermal retinal injury.
nm: Cataract, retinal burns.
nm: Corneal burn, IR cataract.
>3000 nm: Corneal burn.
NOTE: Optical gain of the eye is about 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.

11. < 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.

12. FDA Laser Regulation
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 & These devices include lasers used to conduct outdoor laser light shows (demonstrations).

13. CDRH Regulations
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.

14. FAA Involvement
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.

15. 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).

16. At the FAA’s request, the FDA issued a moratorium ceasing all outdoor laser activities in the Las Vegas area on Dec. 11, Government and laser industry representatives met to develop appropriate guidelines.

17. FAA Order 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:

18. FAA Order FLIGHT ZONES

19. FAA Order FLIGHT ZONES

20. Potential Visual Effects
vary with Laser Power and Distance from Source

21. FAA Responsibilities:
FAA Order 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).

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

23. FAA/USAF
Flight Simulator Study

24. Effects of Laser Illumination on Operational and Visual Performance of Pilots Conducting Terminal Operations
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)

25. View of final approach to runway at 100 feet AGL
FAA 737 Flight Simulator
View of final approach to runway at 100 feet AGL
Kodak DC240, aperture f/2.8, shutter speed 1/6 s

26. 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

27. 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

28. Irradiance level: 50 µW/cm2
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

29. Results of the simulator study indicated that the changes made to FAA Order were adequate to protect aviators from visual impairment in the Critical and Laser-Free Zones around airports.

30. Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports
Available at:

31. Guidance for Laser Proponents and Regulatory Personnel Include:
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

32. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
ANSI Z American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers
ANSI Z 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

33. Laser Pointers – A New Dilemma
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.

34. In recent years, more powerful handheld lasers have become affordable
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.

35. 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.

37. Laser Pointers on Steroids
Class 3B handheld lasers
are available on the Internet. Within the NOHD, momentary exposure (≤ 0.25 s) can cause eye damage.
Wavelengths: 405, 473, 532, 635, 650 nm
Power output: 5 – 400 mW
Range: up to 20 miles .

38. DOT Secretary Announces New Policy
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).

39. Advisory Circular: AC 70-02
New FAA policy
(AC 70-02) was established to protect aircrews and passengers, improve reporting and enforcement, and to discourage future laser incidents.

40. Since Issuance of AC 70-02: 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.

41. The 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.

42. Dec. 29, 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.

43. August 15, 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.

44. June 4, 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.

45. 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.

46. March 5, 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.

47. August 15, 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 The government announced it would ban imports of high-intensity laser pointers (effective July 1, 2008).
.com

48. March 30, 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.

49. April 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.

50. Aircraft 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%
8 – 8.9
5.5%
4.7%
6.8%
6.7%
7 – 7.9
9.1%
8.8%
10.8%
7.5%
6 – 6.9
7.4%
7.2%
11.0%
0.0%
5 – 5.9
14.4%
20.0%
4 – 4.9
13.1%
13.8%
26.7%
3 – 3.9
16.3%
11.3%
9.6%
2 – 2.9
Critical Flight Zone
16.5%
19.6%
15.8%
LFZ Total
11.8%
1 – 1.9
5.2%
7.7%
2.7%
0 – 0.9
Laser Free Zone
TOTAL
2007
2006
2005
2004
K Feet
Percentage of Cockpit Illuminations
by 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.

51. Laser Incident Rate by Region and Year
The incident rate was highest in the AWP (0.86/100K flight operations) for the period.

52. Traffic Volume by Region
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.

53. Airports with 10 or More Laser Incidents
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.

54. Visual and Physiological Effects and Operational Problems by Altitude64 24 12 19 25 17
TOTAL 9 1 5
≥10K 37 13 7 14 8
CRITICAL 18 10 6 4
LASER FREE
AFTER-IMAGE
FLASH-
BLINDNESS
GLARE
COCKPIT
ILLUMINATIONS
OPERATIONAL
PROBLEM
PAIN/
INJURY
VISUAL EFFECTS
ZONE
Visual and Physiological Effects and Operational Problems by Altitude
Of 746 cockpit illuminations where altitude was provided, 8.6% described one or more adverse effects ( ). These include visual effects (8.2%), pain and/or possible injury (1.6%), and operational problems (3.2%).

55. Percentage of Laser Illuminationsby
Month
Type 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.

56. Percentage of Laser Illuminations by Time of Day
Note: Laser Illuminations occur most frequently from 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.

57. Summary
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.)

58. Conclusions
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.