AIM Text
- Lasers have many applications. 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. The following information should be included:
- UTC Date and Time of Event.
- Call Sign or Aircraft Registration Number.
- Type Aircraft.
- Nearest Major City.
- Altitude.
- Location of Event (Latitude/Longitude and/or Fixed Radial Distance (FRD)).
- Brief Description of the Event and any other Pertinent Information.
- Pilots are also encouraged to complete the Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire located on the FAA Laser Safety Initiative website at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/ 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.
- When these activities become known to the FAA, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are issued to inform the aviation community of the events. Pilots should consult NOTAMs or the Chart Supplement for information regarding these activities.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-6-13.
The short answer
This FAA advisory section warns that laser operations—light shows, demonstrations, and unauthorized illuminations—can cause temporary vision impairment miles away or permanent eye damage, and it tells pilots what to report and to whom. It supports the FAA prohibition on disrupting aviation activity and complements unauthorized-laser handling under FAA Orders JO 7110.65 and JO 7210.3.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What information should a pilot report after a laser illumination?
The AIM says to report laser activity to the controlling ATC facility, Federal Contract Tower, or Flight Service Station as soon as possible, including: UTC date and time; call sign or registration number; aircraft type; nearest major city; altitude; location (latitude/longitude and/or Fixed Radial Distance); and a brief description with any pertinent information. Pilots are also encouraged to complete the Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire on the FAA Laser Safety Initiative website after landing.
What does ATC do after a laser event is reported?
Per this section, when a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, a general caution warning is broadcast on all appropriate frequencies every five minutes for 20 minutes, and broadcast on the ATIS for one hour following the report. The phraseology used is: "Unauthorized laser illumination event," followed by UTC time, location, altitude, color, and direction.
Are laser beams from light shows always visible to pilots?
No. The AIM notes beams generally appear bright blue-green but may be red, yellow, or white, and some laser systems produce light invisible to the human eye. Illumination can create temporary vision impairment miles from the actual location and can produce permanent eye damage, so pilots should learn where these activities occur and avoid those areas if possible.