Being struck by a laser beam is a huge distraction to flight crew and poses a serious threat to safety.
Laser strikes can leave pilots with momentary flash blindness, where visual interference persists after the laser beam is removed. There can be ‘after-images’ left in the visual field after the light is moved away. Sometimes the effects can take days to pass.
The incidence of aircraft being illuminated, particularly at night, by laser-generated light has been trending upwards since portable laser pointers became freely available to purchase.
Even when directed at aircraft from several kilometres away, high-power laser pointers can dazzle pilots and cause temporary flash blindness, with significant safety risks to the aircraft. The most severe cases can also cause prolonged eye injury for the pilot.
Laser power output has also increased over recent years, and it is now possible to possess high-powered laser pointers that can be directed at aircraft and cause serious problems for pilots and the safe operation of an aircraft.
If you’re a member of the public and see a skyward-bound laser beam, after calling 111, make a report and give us as much detail as you can.
Report an aviation related concern online(external link)
If you’re flight crew, immediately report any laser strike. Include:
Alternatively, email triage@caa.govt.nz.
The more information the CAA gets from the public and flight crew about laser strikes, the more it can pinpoint where the peaks of laser strikes are occurring and at what time of year. It will also help the CAA, together with other agencies like the police, develop some solutions to this growing menace to safe aviation.
For more information, see Advisory Circular AC91-17 Light hazards to aircraft.
