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Lasers and aviation safety

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bright (based on the CIE normalized efficiency photopic visual function curve for a standard observer), its VCF is 0.88. Light at 514 nm has a VCF of 0.585, and light at 488 nm has a VCF of 0.194. Now let's look at our two lasers. We have a 10-watt YAG emitting 10 watts of 532 nm light. The visually corrected power is 10W * 0.88VCF = 8.8 visually corrected watts. The 18-watt argon has 10 watts of 514 nm light (10W * 0.585VCF = 5.85 visually corrected watts) plus 8 watts of 488 nm light (8W * 0.194VCF = 1.55 visually corrected watts). Add the two argon outputs and you get a total of 5.85 + 1.55 = 7.40 visually corrected watts. This is how a 10-watt YAG beam can appear brighter to the eye than an 18-watt argon beam – all other factors such as beam divergence being equal.
121: 435: 625: 613: 319:) laser light could cause permanent eye injury. The injury could be relatively minor, such as spots only detectable by medical exam or on the periphery of vision. At higher power levels, the spots may be in the central vision, in the same area where the original light was viewed. Most unlikely of all is injury causing a complete and permanent loss of vision. To do this would require very specialized equipment and a desire to deliberately target aircraft. 267: 24: 237: 252: 279:
longer flashes. With helicopters at close range, it is possible to have a more or less continuous light. The flashes shown greatly exaggerate the duration of a laser flash and use green rather than less visible red light. With a plane traveling hundreds of miles per hour and a laser beam size of only a meter or so, flash durations would be measured in thousandths of a second.
723:(SAE) G-10T, Laser Safety Hazards Subcommittee. It consists of laser safety experts and researchers, pilots and other interested parties representing military, commercial and private aviation, and laser users. Their recommendations have formed the basis of the FAA laser and bright light regulations and forms, as well as standards adopted in other countries and by the 760:
policies and procedures were developed, such as the FAA 7400.2 Chapter 29, and Advisory Circular 70-1. Although incidents continued to occur (from January 1996 to July 1999, the FAA's Western-Pacific Region identified more than 150 incidents in which low-flying aircraft were illuminated by lasers), the situation seemed under control.
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general, the eyes of pilots in an illuminated nighttime cockpit are most sensitive to greenish-yellow light (of wavelength around 500–600 nanometers, peaking at 555 nm). A blue or red laser will appear much dimmer—and thus less distracting—than a green or yellow laser of equal power. For example, a 10-watt continuous-wave
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be used to watch for aircraft, and turn off the laser if a potential conflict is sighted. The FAA does not approve or disapprove requests, as it does not have the regulatory authority for this, but rather indicates whether it objects or does not object. If the laser use is for a show or display, approval from the
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showed only one or two incidents per year. The SAE G-10T subcommittee began meeting around 1993 as the number of incidents grew. Almost all of the incidents were known or suspected to be due to outdoor laser displays. Almost all of the concern was over potential eye damage; at the time visual effects
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Lasers are even used, or proposed for use, with aircraft. Pilots straying into unauthorized airspace over Washington, D.C. can be warned to turn back by shining eye-safe low-power red and green lasers at them. At least one system has been tested that would use lasers on final approach to help line up
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In the U.S., operators of outdoor lasers are requested to file reports with the FAA at least 30 days in advance, detailing their location and laser power. It is permitted to use lasers whose output exceeds the limits of these zones, if other control measures are in place. For example, spotters could
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Laser safety goggles: laboratory-type laser safety goggles are not well suited for pilot operation, due to their low transmission and optical quality. Also, there may be a variety of laser wavelengths that may need to be defended against. If all wavelengths are protected, the goggles are essentially
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For non-visible lasers (infrared and ultraviolet), the irradiance at the aircraft must be eye-safe—below the Maximum Permissible Exposure level for that wavelength. For pulsed visible lasers, the irradiance at the aircraft must be both eye-safe and must be at or below any applicable FAA laser zone.
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FAA AC-70-1, Table 5, shows these calculations, which are summarized here using the exact Visual Correction Factor for the wavelengths under consideration (FAA only gives ranges). Light at 555 nm appears brightest to the eye, so it has a VCF of 100% (1.0). Since light at 532 nm appears only 88% as
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Within the SAE G-10T subcommittee, there was some consideration about cutting back or banning laser shows. However, it became apparent that there were a large number of non-entertainment laser users as well. The focus shifted to control of known laser users, whether shows or industry/research. New
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In late 1995, a number of illumination incidents occurred in Las Vegas due to new outdoor laser displays. Although the displays had been approved by the FDA as eye-safe for their airport proximity, no one had realized that the glare and distraction hazard would adversely affect pilots. In December
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In the UK, restrictions are in place in a zone that includes a circle 3 nmi (5.6 km) in radius around an airport, plus extensions from each end of each runway. The runway zones are rectangles 20 nmi (37 km) in total length and 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) wide, centered about each
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Some measures have been proposed to protect aircrews including goggles and windscreen filters. These may work in theory (especially against known wavelengths) and may be useful in some situations such as military operations. However, these measures may not be suitable, practical or recommended for
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There are some subjects which aviation safety experts agree pose no real hazard. These include passenger exposure to laser light, pilot distraction during cruising or other non-critical phases of flight, and laser damage to the aircraft. The main concerns of safety experts are focused on laser and
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The graphic (right) illustrates laser safety concepts. For example, it shows that the areas of most concern—eye damage, flash blindness and glare—occur relatively close to the aircraft. The distraction risk covers the longest hazard distance, but also presents the least concern. The photos in the
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Direction relative to the aircraft and cockpit. A beam aimed directly at an incoming aircraft gives the greatest risk to pilots. One aimed across the aircraft's travel gives less risk, partially because the light enters through the side windows, and partially because it is harder to keep the beam
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Wavelength of the beam: an infrared or ultraviolet laser beam does not present any visual effect risk to pilots, as they cannot see it. However, at high powers it can present an eye damage risk. In some cases, this hazard may be greater since a pilot would not know they were being illuminated. In
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introduced H.R. 1400, the "Securing Airplane Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2005." The bill was passed by the U.S. House and Senate, but did not go to conference and thus did not become law. In 2007, Keller re-introduced the bill as H.R. 1615. Although passed by the House in May 2007, it was not
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The optional Sensitive Flight Zone is designated by the FAA, military or other aviation authorities where light intensity must be less than 100 μW/cm. This might be done for example around a busy flight path or where military operations are taking place. This was identified as the limiting level
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The photos at right flash because most incidents are of flashes and not of steady illumination. In accidental illuminations there may be just one or a few flashes. Even in deliberate illuminations, it is difficult to keep a hand-held laser focused on a moving target, so there will be a series of
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Glare and disruption: as the light brightness increases, it starts to interfere with vision. Veiling glare would make it difficult to see out the windscreen. Night vision starts to deteriorate. Laser light is highly directional, so pilots may act to exclude the source from their direct field of
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Then in late 2004 and early 2005 came a significant increase in reported incidents linked to laser pointers. The wave of incidents may have been triggered in part by "copycats" who read press accounts of laser pointer incidents. In one case, David Banach of New Jersey was charged under federal
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Education and training. The SAE G-10T Laser Hazards Subcommittee is working on Aerospace Recommended Practice document 5598, "Laser Visual Interference - Pilot Operational Procedures." This will provide information for pilots on recognizing and recovering from a laser or bright light incident.
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Restricting the sale or use of laser devices. This is done in some jurisdictions. For example, in April 2008 New South Wales, Australia banned laser pointer possession, except by special permit, in an effort to reduce the number of laser illuminations of aircraft. In October 1997 in the United
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The three visual effects above are the primary concern for aviation experts. This is because they could happen with lower-powered lasers that are commonly available. The fourth concern, eye damage, is much less likely: it would require specialized equipment not readily available to the general
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These recommendations were adopted by the U.S. FAA, and are incorporated into FAA Order JO 7400.2, Chapter 29 "Outdoor Laser Operations". See for example the FAA's "Laser Free", "Critical", "Sensitive" and "Normal Flight Zone" power levels (FAA Order JO 7400.2, Para. 29-1-5). The SAE G-10T
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The Laser Free Zone extends immediately around and above runways, as depicted at right. Light irradiance within the zone must be less than 50 nanowatts per square centimeter (0.05 microwatts per square centimeter). This was set at "a level that would not cause any visual
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from observatories) may be marked on aeronautical charts so pilots are aware of potential beams along their flight path. Temporary uses (laser shows) may be described in pre-flight information. For example, in the U.S., laser uses submitted to the FAA are often listed in
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The U.S. FAA Critical Flight Zone extends horizontally 10 nmi (19 km) around the airport, and extends vertically to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above ground level. The optional Sensitive Flight Zone is designated around special airspace needing bright-light
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For any given laser, the relative distances shown here may change. For example, an infrared laser can be an eye hazard for hundreds of feet, but presents no flash blindness, glare or distraction hazard. Because of this, each laser must be analyzed individually.
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This calculation is based upon determining when the irradiance of the laser just falls below the light levels of the ANSI nominal ocular hazard (eye hazard), the FAA Sensitive Flight Zone (flash blindness), Critical Flight Zone (glare) and Laser Free Zone
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Laser event detectors and recorders that can sense a laser illumination and record information about the wavelength and power. This does not provide protection but does give information about an illumination which may be useful for later analysis or legal
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graphic also give an idea of what the visual effect looks like to the pilot, at various distances. While the distances given are exact, the laser's brightness is in fact falling off slowly and so effects diminish continuously with increasing distance.
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Location of the beam relative to airports: the FAA has established safety zones around airports, which are described in the "Regulation" section below. It is possible to use beams within the zones, if the beam power is below the FAA limit for the
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Beam movement: if the beam is moving around such as in a laser show, it covers a greater area of the sky and thus has a greater chance to illuminate an aircraft. However, if it did scan across a cockpit, in general the exposure duration would be
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Distraction and startle: an unexpected laser or bright light could distract the pilot during a nighttime landing or takeoff. A pilot might not know what was happening at first. They may be worried that a brighter light or other threat would be
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Active "smart" goggles which can detect laser light and then activate a blocking or dimming process based on the power and wavelength. It is not known if these are in production or use; if so, it is likely that these are used only in military
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The laser effects and ranges shown in the graphic are based on consensus developed by the aviation advisory group SAE G-10T Laser Safety Hazards Subcommittee as published in SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice document 5293 (ARP5293)
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Kingdom, administrative steps were taken to restrict the sale of laser pointers > 1 milliwatt output, for similar reasons (although the purchase, importation and use of such pointers in the UK remains lawful). In the U.S., the
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The U.S. FAA has studied some of these factors. They conducted research using pilots in flight simulators to determine the effects of laser exposure on pilot performance; results were released in August 2003 and June 2004.
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Pulsing: some laser beams emit their energy in pulses. A pulsed laser presents a greater eye damage risk than a continuous laser of equal average power. This is because the power is packed into shorter but more intense
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Z136.6 standard is the "American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors." The Z136.6 committee has worked closely with SAE G-10T and others, to develop recommended safety procedures for outdoor laser use.
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Amending existing laws, or enacting new ones, to try to discourage irresponsible laser use. One U.S. federal effort in this direction is the "Securing Airplane Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2005", discussed in the
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notes that a ban could "pose significant challenges because these devices are widely available at low cost and are used in a variety of applications such as laser pointers, laser levels and laser gun sights."
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Terminating beams on buildings, dense trees, etc. to prevent laser light from entering protected airspace. This is a common protection measure for outdoor laser shows, if there are structures available for
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where the image takes from a few seconds to a few minutes to fade away, depending on how much light entered the eye. Light level 50 μW/cm; for example, a legal 5 mW laser pointer at 350 feet (110 m).
799:. As a result of this attack plus others, a law was proposed in mid-April 2008 in New South Wales to ban possession of handheld lasers, including low-power classroom pointers. The Australian state of 667:
The Critical Flight Zone covers 10 nautical miles (NM) around the airport; the light limit is 5 microwatts per square centimeter (μW/cm), determined to be the level at which glare becomes significant.
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There are four primary areas of concern. The first three are visual effects that temporarily distract or block pilots' vision. These effects are only of concern when the laser emits visible light.
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CRS Report for Congress - Lasers Aimed at Aircraft Cockpits:Background and Possible Options to Address the Threat to Aviation Safety and Security - Bart Elias (January 26, 2005)Order Code:RS22033
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Day vs. night: almost all concern is over nighttime illumination. The three visual effects listed above (distraction, glare and flash blindness) are minimized during the day since the eye is not
228:(FAA) has tested laser-projected lines on airport runways, to increase visibility of "hold short" markings. Because of these varied uses, it is not practical to ban lasers from airspace. 1187: 1180: 659:
The U.S. FAA has established airspace zones. These protect the area around airports and other sensitive airspace from the hazards of safe-but-too-bright visible laser light exposure:
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Z136.6 document gives guidance for the safe use of outdoor lasers. While this document is copyrighted by ANSI and is relatively costly, a flavor of its recommendations can be seen in
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works exactly like a bright camera flash: there is no injury, but night vision is temporarily disrupted. There may be afterimages, like a bright camera flash leaving temporary spots.
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issued a study on the laser "threat to aviation safety and security." Because there was no federal law specifically banning deliberate laser illumination of aircraft, Congressman
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are under development by armed forces, these are so specialized, expensive and controlled that it is improbable for non-military lasers to cause structural damage to an aircraft.
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Pilot awareness and response: a pilot can make the situation worse if they overreact, stare at the light to try to locate its source, or carry out unnecessary evasive maneuvers.
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Increasing the beam divergence. The beam spreads out faster, so at any given distance, the amount of light entering the eye or a cockpit windscreen will be less (e.g., lower
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Also, the weaker effects are part of any stronger effect. Even if a laser does not cause eye damage at 25 feet, it can still cause flash blindness, glare and a distraction.
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aimed exactly at the cockpit area. A beam aimed straight up gives the least risk, although it is still possible for the beam to illuminate the cockpit during a banking turn.
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is required. A prerequisite for this approval is a letter of non-objection from the FAA. Laser activity in a given area is communicated to pilots before their flight via a
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vision. Pointer lasers have an illuminance of about 1 lumen/m2, whereas during the day the pilots have to deal with sunlight which is one hundred thousand times stronger.
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The Normal Flight Zone covers all other airspace. The light intensity must be less than 2.5 milliwatts per square centimeter (2500 μW/cm). This is about half of the
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Using spotters to watch for aircraft. This is commonly done for laser shows which tend to be short-duration (around an hour) and infrequent (nightly shows are rare).
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where the light does not obscure vision but can distract the pilot. Light intensity 0.5 μW/cm; for example, a legal 5 mW laser pointer at 3,700 feet (1,100 m).
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Following a series of accidents caused by lasers, Arizona state passed Bill 2164 (2014) that making it a Class One misdemeanor to point a laser at an aircraft.
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Pointing a laser at an aircraft can be hazardous to pilots, and has resulted in arrests, trials and jail sentences. It also results in calls to license or ban
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where it is hard to see through the light to the background scene. Light level 5.0 μW/cm; for example, a legal 5 mW laser pointer at 1,200 feet (370 m).
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August 2003 FAA study: "The Effects of Laser Illumination on Operational and Visual Performance of Pilots Conducting Terminal Operations", DOT/FAA/AM-03/12.
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In December 2021 a Mississippi man is facing federal charges including 5 years in prison and $ 25,000 in fines for months of targeting aircraft flying into
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June 2004 FAA follow-up study: "The Effects of Laser Illumination on Operational and Visual Performance of Pilots During Final Approach", DOT/FAA/AM-04/9.
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Using automated detection systems such as radar or sky cameras. These are used for long-duration (all night) and frequent (nightly) applications, such as
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To give another example, of a more powerful laser—the type that might be used in an outdoor laser show: a 6-watt green (532 nm) laser with a 1.1
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Flight phase. The risk is greatest when the exposure comes during a time of high workload: takeoffs, critical or emergency maneuvers, and landings.
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Order JO 7400.2, Chapter 29 "Outdoor Laser Operations", and bright light airspace guidelines are in Chapter 30 "High Intensity Light Operations".
1448: 1254: 1181:"Safety Recommendations of Laser Pointers", by Rockwell Laser Industries and the (U.S.) National Institutes of Occupational Safety & Health 961: 892: 577:
Articles in aviation publications also have provided helpful information, such as "Laser Illuminations: The Last Line of Defense - The Pilot!".
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There are a number of ways that laser users, regulators and pilots reduce the potential hazard from outdoor laser use. These measures include:
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Motion and speed of the aircraft. A slow aircraft is at greater risk than a fast one (relative to travel across the viewer's line of sight).
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bright light effects on pilots, especially when they are in a critical phase of flight: takeoff, approach, landing, and emergency maneuvers.
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Distance to the aircraft. A low-flying aircraft is at greater risk. Again, helicopters are vulnerable due to their close ground proximity.
88: 41: 1507: 151:. It is far less likely, though still possible, that a visible or invisible beam could cause permanent harm to a pilot's eyes. Although 1158: 1154: 701: 60: 139:) directed at aircraft can be a hazard. The most likely scenario is when a bright visible laser light causes distraction or temporary 1285: 1672: 817:
in Egypt and later celebration of his removal, thousands of protesters and revelers aimed laser pointers at government helicopters.
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U.S. Congressman Ric Keller: 8th District Of Florida:Committee Passes Keller Pilot Protection Bill (Washington, September 29, 2005)
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In the United Kingdom, CAP 736 is the "Guide for the Operation of Lasers, Searchlights and Fireworks in United Kingdom Airspace."
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opaque. There are also issues with the discomfort of wearing goggles routinely, given that laser incidents are relatively rare.
1301:"Aircrew laser eye protection visors", Opt. Eng. Vol. 44, 084303, August 29, 2005, referenced from SPIE Digital Library online 829: 380:
Projector and laser stability: if a projector slips, or safety software fails, the beam could enter unsafe areas of airspace.
74: 807: 980: 810:. An FAA spokeswoman said there were 148 laser attacks on aircraft in the U.S. from January 1, 2009 to February 23, 2009. 1746: 1105:. The photographs in the graphic are from the FAA and demonstrate visual effects of laser light in an aircraft simulator. 56: 1725: 457:
beam divergence is an eye hazard to about 1,600 feet (490 meters), can cause flash blindness to about 8,200 feet (1.5
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On March 28, 2008, a coordinated attack took place using four green laser pointers aimed at six aircraft landing at
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CAP736: Guide for the Operation of Lasers,Searchlights and Fireworks in the United Kingdom Airspace (www.caa.co.uk)
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astronomy. Lasers and searchlights are used in entertainment; for example, in outdoor shows such as the nightly
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Backlash over ban on laser pointers - National - smh.com.au (Jordan Baker Chief Police Reporter April 22, 2008)
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are used by the general public; sometimes they will be accidentally or deliberately aimed at or near aircraft.
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has had a similar ban since 1998, but press reports state that it is easy to buy lasers without a permit.
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Australia Takes On Laser Lunatics(April 21, 2008, 10:52 am By Mike Nizza)- The Lede - New York Times Blog
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UK laser operators report outdoor laser, searchlight or firework operations at least 28 days in advance.
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Graphic illustrating how laser pointer hazards are most serious when the laser is close to the aircraft
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laser that outputs 10 watts of 514 nm (green-blue) light plus 8 watts of 488 nm (blue) light.
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SAE Standards for Works in Progress, ARP5598, Laser Visual Interference - Pilot Operational Procedures
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Police have begun using helicopters to patrol and seek out people using lasers to disrupt aviation.
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pilots were targeted with laser points in multiple regions, but particularly in the Middle East.
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laser at 532 nanometers (green) can appear brighter to the eye than an 18-watt continuous-wave
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It is extremely unlikely that any of the four elements above would cause loss of the aircraft.
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Eastern Region FAA Safety Team Laser Warning System Video(Updated: 8:26 am ET October 5, 2007)
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A sampling of NASA ASRS laser incident reports can be done by searching for the term "laser".
1271:"Laser Illuminations: Last Line of Defense - The Pilot!" by Capt. C.W. "Bill" Connor, Ph.D., 743:
Until the early 1990s, laser and bright light aviation incidents were sporadic. In the U.S.,
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was forced to turn back when a laser beam was shone into the cockpit. The incident led the
800: 675: 1338:"Stowable laser eye protection", U.S. Patent 7344260, retrieved from freepatentsonline.com 8: 959:
FAA press release: Laser Technology Will Make It Easier For Pilots To See Runway Markings
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are at greatest risk because they can hover, presenting a relatively stationary target.
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H.R. 1400 (109th): Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2005 (GovTrack.us)
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FAA Order JO 7400.2, Chapter 29, Para. 29-4-1 "Issuance of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)"
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Glare shields that can be pulled down over a windscreen to reduce all incoming light.
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Keeping beams away from areas with many aircraft, such as airports and flight paths.
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and spotlights can have the same dazzling, distracting, and flashblinding effects.
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H.R. 1615: Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2007 (GovTrack.us)
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On February 22, 2009, a dozen planes were targeted with green laser beams at
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Requiring review or approval of outdoor laser uses. This is discussed in the
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Developing and following policies for outdoor laser operations, such as the
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Laser 'cluster' attacks Sydney planes | Herald Sun (March 29, 2008 10:37pm)
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anti-terrorism laws, after he allegedly shone a laser pointer at aircraft.
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1995 the FDA issued an emergency order shutting down the Las Vegas shows.
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Power: the more light emitted, the brighter and more hazardous it will be.
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The exact hazard in a specific situation depends on a number of factors.
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A key group inside the U.S. working on laser and aviation safety is the
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The Seattle Times - Someone shining laser at planes landing at Sea-Tac.
1392:"Laser Pointers: Their Potential Affects on Vision and Aviation Safety" 1098:"Safety Considerations for Lasers Projected in the Navigable Airspace." 948:
Helicopter Airborne Laser Positioning Systems (HALPS) (march 1990) NASA
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Eye damage. Though it is unlikely, high power visible or invisible (
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have restricted laser pointers as a result of multiple incidents.
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by Charles Edward Stewart, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2006.
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Lasers are used in industry and research, such as in atmospheric
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CNN.com - Pilots landing at Seattle-Tacoma airport report lasers
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In the United States, laser airspace guidelines can be found in
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In addition to lasers, other bright directional lights such as
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FAA Order JO 7400.2L, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters
1645:"Virgin Atlantic laser incident: pilots' union demands action" 581: 231: 1530:
Laser pointers ban spread (April 22, 2008 12:00am) Herald Sun
981:"Laser Pointer Safety - NEVER aim laser pointers at aircraft" 705: 570: 209: 132: 1673:"Laser Beam Attacks Bedevil U.S. Military Pilots in Mideast" 744: 731: 724: 648: 644: 518: 514: 558: 671:
beyond which flash blindness and afterimages could occur.
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During the July 2013 protests against the presidency of
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to a pilot, during a critical phase of flight such as
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The U.S. FAA Laser Free Zone extends horizontally 2
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ANSI Z136.6 Standard, "Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors"
48:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 1101:recommendations also were adopted by ANSI Z136.6, 1642: 1356: 1354: 1288:Weapons of Mass Casualties and Terrorism Response 1286:Sample page provided by Google Book Search, from 1052: 480: 1733: 1425:"N.J. man charged with aiming laser at aircraft" 1150: 1148: 1351: 486:Using the lowest power necessary for the task. 127:are one of the main threats of aviation safety 1174: 1145: 1002: 1000: 780:acted on by the Senate before the end of the 1203: 1201: 1199: 1136: 1134: 1132: 412: 582:Active hazard reduction (proposed measures) 540: 517:standard "Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors" or 232:Primary hazards of lasers and bright lights 173: 997: 702:Center for Devices and Radiological Health 135:light or other bright lights (spotlights, 1390:Van B. Nakagawara; Ronald W. Montgomery. 1266: 1264: 1262: 1196: 1129: 607: 108:Learn how and when to remove this message 1241: 1239: 623: 611: 433: 265: 250: 235: 119: 836:to call for lasers to be classified as 559:Pilot/aircrew hazard reduction measures 334: 326: 1734: 1696: 1670: 1643:Press Association (15 February 2016). 1259: 1155:NASA's "Use Policy for Outdoor Lasers" 1125:BBC: Police fight back on laser threat 464: 384: 366: 1422: 1236: 752:were felt to be a minor consequence. 472: 185: 808:Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 715:Regulatory and standards development 526:Regulatory hazard reduction measures 46:adding citations to reliable sources 17: 1026:"Luminous efficacy at HyperPhysics" 909:Australian Broadcasting Corporation 843:In the first seven months of 2018, 834:British Airline Pilots' Association 521:'s "Use Policy for Outdoor Lasers". 510:used at astronomical observatories. 13: 651:'s Use Policy for Outdoor Lasers. 14: 1758: 1719: 1671:Lubold, Gordon (17 August 2018). 771:Responding to the incidents, the 654: 587:widespread civil air operations. 430:Example laser safety calculations 258:flight simulator showing veiling 1053:Van B. Nakagawara (April 2001). 1032:from the original on 2002-08-24. 749:Aviation Safety Reporting System 564:Fixed laser installations (e.g. 22: 1690: 1664: 1636: 1610: 1588: 1563: 1552: 1534: 1523: 1512: 1501: 1490: 1479: 1468: 1457: 1439: 1423:Levin, Alan (January 4, 2005). 1416: 1383: 1372: 1342: 1331: 1320: 1305: 1294: 1279: 1248: 1212: 1163: 1118: 1108: 1089: 1071: 1046: 721:Society of Automotive Engineers 635:Federal Aviation Administration 226:Federal Aviation Administration 33:needs additional citations for 1036: 1018: 952: 941: 923: 897: 886: 773:Congressional Research Service 534:Congressional Research Service 481:User hazard reduction measures 1: 1103:"Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors" 879: 852:Memphis International Airport 162:. Some jurisdictions such as 698:Food and Drug Administration 690: 548: 57:"Lasers and aviation safety" 7: 1697:Phelps, Mark (2021-12-22). 1366:September 26, 2006, at the 1316:magazine, September 1, 2000 1083:September 16, 2006, at the 857: 10: 1763: 1747:Laser safety and standards 845:United States Armed Forces 738: 131:Under certain conditions, 905:"NSW bans laser pointers" 643:For all laser users, the 413:Pilot and aircrew factors 272:temporary flash blindness 243:flight simulator showing 1451:August 30, 2006, at the 1012:October 1, 2006, at the 935:October 6, 2006, at the 893:Laser Safety in Aviation 352:yttrium aluminium garnet 220:the pilot on the proper 194:, and as guide stars in 174:Lasers and bright lights 1598:. Bbc.co.uk. 2013-07-04 964:April 13, 2009, at the 1435:on September 20, 2005. 784:and never became law. 630: 621: 608:Regulation and control 541:Regulation and control 439: 275: 263: 248: 128: 1190:June 9, 2007, at the 627: 615: 437: 269: 254: 239: 123: 830:New York JFK Airport 335:Bright light factors 327:Analyzing the hazard 42:improve this article 1677:Wall Street Journal 1348:FAA Order JO 7400.2 1275:, April 2005, p. 21 820:On February 2016 a 465:Reducing the hazard 385:Situational factors 367:Operational factors 1624:. 15 February 2016 1546:2009-04-30 at the 631: 622: 473:Police enforcement 440: 276: 264: 249: 186:Lasers in airspace 129: 1067:on June 26, 2013. 838:offensive weapons 566:laser guide stars 508:laser guide stars 206:Walt Disney World 118: 117: 110: 92: 1754: 1713: 1712: 1710: 1709: 1694: 1688: 1687: 1685: 1683: 1668: 1662: 1661: 1659: 1657: 1640: 1634: 1633: 1631: 1629: 1614: 1608: 1607: 1605: 1603: 1592: 1586: 1585: 1583: 1581: 1567: 1561: 1556: 1550: 1538: 1532: 1527: 1521: 1516: 1510: 1505: 1499: 1494: 1488: 1483: 1477: 1472: 1466: 1461: 1455: 1443: 1437: 1436: 1431:. Archived from 1420: 1414: 1413: 1411: 1409: 1404:on June 26, 2013 1403: 1397:. Archived from 1396: 1387: 1381: 1376: 1370: 1358: 1349: 1346: 1340: 1335: 1329: 1324: 1318: 1309: 1303: 1298: 1292: 1283: 1277: 1268: 1257: 1252: 1246: 1243: 1234: 1233: 1231: 1229: 1224: 1216: 1210: 1205: 1194: 1178: 1172: 1167: 1161: 1152: 1143: 1138: 1127: 1122: 1116: 1112: 1106: 1093: 1087: 1075: 1069: 1068: 1066: 1060:. Archived from 1059: 1050: 1044: 1040: 1034: 1033: 1022: 1016: 1004: 995: 994: 992: 991: 977: 968: 956: 950: 945: 939: 927: 921: 920: 918: 916: 901: 895: 890: 864:Dazzler (weapon) 113: 106: 102: 99: 93: 91: 50: 26: 18: 1762: 1761: 1757: 1756: 1755: 1753: 1752: 1751: 1742:Aviation safety 1732: 1731: 1722: 1717: 1716: 1707: 1705: 1695: 1691: 1681: 1679: 1669: 1665: 1655: 1653: 1641: 1637: 1627: 1625: 1616: 1615: 1611: 1601: 1599: 1594: 1593: 1589: 1579: 1577: 1569: 1568: 1564: 1557: 1553: 1548:Wayback Machine 1539: 1535: 1528: 1524: 1517: 1513: 1506: 1502: 1495: 1491: 1484: 1480: 1473: 1469: 1462: 1458: 1453:Wayback Machine 1444: 1440: 1421: 1417: 1407: 1405: 1401: 1394: 1388: 1384: 1377: 1373: 1368:Wayback Machine 1359: 1352: 1347: 1343: 1336: 1332: 1325: 1321: 1314:LaserFocusWorld 1310: 1306: 1299: 1295: 1284: 1280: 1269: 1260: 1253: 1249: 1244: 1237: 1227: 1225: 1222: 1218: 1217: 1213: 1206: 1197: 1192:Wayback Machine 1179: 1175: 1168: 1164: 1153: 1146: 1139: 1130: 1123: 1119: 1113: 1109: 1094: 1090: 1085:Wayback Machine 1076: 1072: 1064: 1057: 1051: 1047: 1041: 1037: 1024: 1023: 1019: 1014:Wayback Machine 1005: 998: 989: 987: 979: 978: 971: 966:Wayback Machine 957: 953: 946: 942: 937:Wayback Machine 928: 924: 914: 912: 911:. 21 April 2008 903: 902: 898: 891: 887: 882: 860: 822:Virgin Atlantic 793:New South Wales 741: 717: 693: 657: 610: 584: 561: 528: 483: 475: 467: 432: 415: 387: 369: 344:Beam divergence 337: 329: 300:flash blindness 234: 196:adaptive optics 188: 176: 164:New South Wales 141:flash blindness 114: 103: 97: 94: 51: 49: 39: 27: 12: 11: 5: 1760: 1750: 1749: 1744: 1730: 1729: 1721: 1720:External links 1718: 1715: 1714: 1689: 1663: 1635: 1609: 1587: 1562: 1551: 1533: 1522: 1511: 1500: 1489: 1478: 1467: 1456: 1438: 1415: 1382: 1371: 1350: 1341: 1330: 1319: 1304: 1293: 1278: 1273:Air Line Pilot 1258: 1247: 1235: 1211: 1195: 1183:archived from 1173: 1162: 1157:archived from 1144: 1128: 1117: 1115:(distraction). 1107: 1088: 1070: 1045: 1035: 1017: 996: 969: 951: 940: 922: 896: 884: 883: 881: 878: 877: 876: 871: 866: 859: 856: 782:110th Congress 740: 737: 716: 713: 692: 689: 680: 679: 672: 668: 665: 656: 655:Airspace zones 653: 609: 606: 605: 604: 600: 597: 593: 583: 580: 579: 578: 574: 560: 557: 556: 555: 552: 551:section below. 544: 543:section below. 537: 527: 524: 523: 522: 511: 504: 501: 497: 494: 487: 482: 479: 474: 471: 466: 463: 431: 428: 423: 422: 419: 414: 411: 410: 409: 405: 402: 395: 386: 383: 382: 381: 378: 374: 368: 365: 364: 363: 359: 347: 341: 336: 333: 328: 325: 321: 320: 304: 303: 296: 292: 270:Simulation of 233: 230: 214:Laser pointers 192:remote sensing 187: 184: 175: 172: 160:laser pointers 116: 115: 30: 28: 21: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 1759: 1748: 1745: 1743: 1740: 1739: 1737: 1727: 1724: 1723: 1704: 1700: 1693: 1678: 1674: 1667: 1652: 1651: 1646: 1639: 1623: 1619: 1613: 1597: 1591: 1576: 1572: 1566: 1560: 1555: 1549: 1545: 1542: 1537: 1531: 1526: 1520: 1515: 1509: 1504: 1498: 1493: 1487: 1482: 1476: 1471: 1465: 1460: 1454: 1450: 1447: 1442: 1434: 1430: 1426: 1419: 1400: 1393: 1386: 1380: 1375: 1369: 1365: 1362: 1357: 1355: 1345: 1339: 1334: 1328: 1323: 1317: 1315: 1308: 1302: 1297: 1291: 1289: 1282: 1276: 1274: 1267: 1265: 1263: 1256: 1251: 1242: 1240: 1221: 1215: 1209: 1204: 1202: 1200: 1193: 1189: 1186: 1182: 1177: 1171: 1166: 1160: 1156: 1151: 1149: 1142: 1137: 1135: 1133: 1126: 1121: 1111: 1104: 1099: 1092: 1086: 1082: 1079: 1074: 1063: 1056: 1049: 1039: 1031: 1027: 1021: 1015: 1011: 1008: 1003: 1001: 986: 982: 976: 974: 967: 963: 960: 955: 949: 944: 938: 934: 931: 926: 910: 906: 900: 894: 889: 885: 875: 874:Laser pointer 872: 870: 867: 865: 862: 861: 855: 853: 848: 846: 841: 839: 835: 831: 827: 823: 818: 816: 815:Mohamed Morsi 811: 809: 804: 802: 798: 794: 790: 785: 783: 778: 774: 769: 767: 761: 757: 753: 750: 746: 736: 733: 728: 726: 722: 712: 709: 707: 703: 699: 688: 684: 677: 673: 669: 666: 662: 661: 660: 652: 650: 646: 641: 638: 636: 626: 619: 614: 601: 598: 596:applications. 594: 590: 589: 588: 575: 572: 567: 563: 562: 553: 550: 545: 542: 538: 535: 530: 529: 520: 516: 512: 509: 505: 502: 498: 495: 492: 488: 485: 484: 478: 470: 462: 460: 456: 451: 447: 444: 436: 427: 420: 417: 416: 406: 403: 400: 396: 393: 389: 388: 379: 375: 371: 370: 360: 357: 353: 348: 345: 342: 339: 338: 332: 324: 318: 314: 310: 309: 308: 301: 297: 293: 289: 288: 287: 284: 280: 273: 268: 261: 257: 253: 246: 242: 238: 229: 227: 223: 217: 215: 211: 207: 203: 202: 201:IllumiNations 197: 193: 183: 181: 171: 169: 165: 161: 156: 154: 153:laser weapons 150: 146: 142: 138: 134: 126: 122: 112: 109: 101: 98:November 2015 90: 87: 83: 80: 76: 73: 69: 66: 62: 59: –  58: 54: 53:Find sources: 47: 43: 37: 36: 31:This article 29: 25: 20: 19: 16: 1706:. Retrieved 1702: 1692: 1680:. Retrieved 1676: 1666: 1654:. Retrieved 1650:The Guardian 1648: 1638: 1626:. Retrieved 1621: 1612: 1600:. Retrieved 1590: 1578:. Retrieved 1574: 1565: 1554: 1536: 1525: 1514: 1503: 1492: 1481: 1470: 1459: 1441: 1433:the original 1428: 1418: 1408:February 19, 1406:. Retrieved 1399:the original 1385: 1374: 1344: 1333: 1322: 1313: 1307: 1296: 1287: 1281: 1272: 1250: 1228:22 September 1226:. Retrieved 1214: 1185:the original 1176: 1165: 1159:the original 1120: 1110: 1091: 1073: 1062:the original 1048: 1038: 1020: 988:. Retrieved 984: 954: 943: 925: 915:17 September 913:. Retrieved 908: 899: 888: 869:Laser safety 849: 842: 824:flight from 819: 812: 805: 786: 770: 762: 758: 754: 742: 729: 718: 710: 694: 685: 681: 678:power level. 664:disruption." 658: 642: 639: 632: 585: 500:termination. 476: 468: 452: 448: 445: 441: 424: 392:dark adapted 330: 322: 305: 285: 281: 277: 271: 259: 244: 218: 199: 189: 180:searchlights 177: 157: 137:searchlights 130: 104: 95: 85: 78: 71: 64: 52: 40:Please help 35:verification 32: 15: 1656:15 February 1628:15 February 1602:15 February 1580:15 February 791:airport in 766:Patriot Act 629:protection. 573:for pilots. 455:milliradian 399:Helicopters 317:ultraviolet 245:distraction 1736:Categories 1708:2021-12-22 990:2021-12-22 880:References 777:Ric Keller 491:irradiance 298:Temporary 222:glideslope 68:newspapers 1682:17 August 1429:USA Today 1220:"HB 2164" 797:Australia 691:Reporting 356:argon-ion 168:Australia 1622:BBC News 1575:BBC News 1544:Archived 1449:Archived 1364:Archived 1188:Archived 1081:Archived 1030:Archived 1010:Archived 962:Archived 933:Archived 858:See also 826:Heathrow 801:Victoria 687:runway. 676:Class 3R 373:shorter. 313:infrared 307:public. 204:show at 739:History 603:action. 549:History 362:pulses. 291:coming. 149:takeoff 145:landing 82:scholar 789:Sydney 700:(FDA) 571:NOTAMs 125:Lasers 84:  77:  70:  63:  55:  1703:AVweb 1402:(PDF) 1395:(PDF) 1223:(PDF) 1065:(PDF) 1058:(PDF) 706:NOTAM 377:zone. 260:glare 210:Epcot 133:laser 89:JSTOR 75:books 1684:2018 1658:2016 1630:2016 1604:2016 1582:2016 1410:2016 1230:2014 985:Home 917:2018 745:NASA 732:ANSI 730:The 725:ICAO 649:NASA 645:ANSI 519:NASA 515:ANSI 61:news 828:to 747:'s 256:FAA 241:FAA 208:'s 147:or 44:by 1738:: 1701:. 1675:. 1647:. 1620:. 1573:. 1427:. 1353:^ 1261:^ 1238:^ 1198:^ 1147:^ 1131:^ 1028:. 999:^ 983:. 972:^ 907:. 854:. 840:. 795:, 727:. 708:. 618:NM 493:). 459:mi 315:, 212:. 166:, 1711:. 1686:. 1660:. 1632:. 1606:. 1584:. 1412:. 1232:. 993:. 919:. 111:) 105:( 100:) 96:( 86:· 79:· 72:· 65:· 38:.

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Lasers
laser
searchlights
flash blindness
landing
takeoff
laser weapons
laser pointers
New South Wales
Australia
searchlights
remote sensing
adaptive optics
IllumiNations
Walt Disney World
Epcot
Laser pointers
glideslope

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