lasers and aviation safety
DESCRIPTION
Patrick Murphy Executive Director, International Laser Display Association SAE G-10T Committee Member. Lasers and aviation Safety. Lasers and Aviation Safety. Laser pointer threat Laser uses in airspace Laser hazards in airspace Hazard factors Hazard reduction Regulation and control. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Patrick MurphyExecutive Director, International Laser Display Association
SAE G-10T Committee Member
![Page 2: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Laser pointer threat• Laser uses in airspace• Laser hazards in airspace
o Hazard factorso Hazard reduction
• Regulation and control
![Page 3: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Steady rise in incidents
• Due to:o Lower costo Higher powers
(100-300 mW)o Green (more visible)o Internet (easy to
obtain)
![Page 4: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• January 1 – February 23, 2009: 148 laser illuminations of aircraft in the U.S. aloneo 2.7 per day
• February 22: 12 illuminations of aircraft landing at Sea-Tac
![Page 5: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• 140 incidents Jan. - April 2008
• March 2008 “coordinated attacks” in Sydney
• Led to NSW ban on laser pointer import, sales and possession
![Page 6: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Why not ban laser beams from airspace?
![Page 7: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• “Guide star” lasers used in astronomy
• Satellite communications and ranging
• Atmospheric remote sensing
![Page 8: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Aircraft warningo Visual Warning System used in Washington
Metropolitan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
o 7 locationso Green and red lasers, 1.5 wattso Visible up to 20 nautical miles away
![Page 9: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 10: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Entertainmento Nightly show at a fixed site (theme parks)o Infrequent shows at various sites (special events)o Usually only 30-60 minutes long
• Entertainmento Nightly show at a fixed site (theme parks)o Infrequent shows at various sites (special events)o Usually only 30-60 minutes long
Laser use in airspace
![Page 11: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Unduly restricts legitimate users• Does not prevent accidental
illumination incidents• Does not stop deliberate targeting
of aircrafto Ignorance – does not know effectso Malice – trying to cause harm
![Page 12: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
How are laser beams
hazardous to aviation?
![Page 13: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• From visible laser beams:o Visual interference during critical phases of
flight• Distraction, glare and flashblindness
o Potential eye damage during any phase of flight
• From non-visible (infrared, ultraviolet) beams:o Potential eye damage during any phase of
flight
![Page 14: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Distractiono Distracting, but
can see past the light
o 0.05 μW/cm2
o 5 mW laser pointer at 3,700 feet (1130m)
![Page 15: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Glareo Interferes with
visiono 5.0 μW/cm2
o 5 mW laser pointer at 1,200 feet (365m)
![Page 16: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Temporary flashblindnesso Blocks vision
during and after exposure
o 100 μW/cm2
o 5 mW laser pointer at 350 feet (107m)
![Page 17: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• 2004 FAA simulator studyo Pilots flew a challenging “short-final”
approacho Glare and flashblindness significant
• Adverse effects for more than 50% of the approaches
• 20-25% rate of aborted landings
![Page 18: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
Laser exposure in police helicopters
![Page 19: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Can be caused by visible or non-visible laser beams, at power above the MPE
• Unlikely, though possible• Few confirmed reports• “Damage” could be pre- or post-
exposureo Previous eye injuries or abormalitieso Rubbing the eye after exposure
![Page 20: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• High-intensity searchlightso Carbon arc light, HID arc light, HMI
“Dominator”, 4K xenon Skytracker
• 3.5 mW laser from RadioShack
• Aimed at helicopter in San Antonio tests
![Page 21: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
![Page 22: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• At 200-500 meters, no adverse effects from searchlights
• Laser pointer “impossible to perceive details outside … impact was unacceptable”.
• Glare, flashblindness and afterimages from laser; not from searchlights
• Laser beam appeared suddenly, “thus causing additional startle"
![Page 23: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 24: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 25: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 26: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 27: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 28: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 29: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 30: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
![Page 31: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Eye hazard to 1600 feet (488m)• Flashblindness to 8200 feet (1.5
mi/2.5 km)• Glare to 36,800 feet (7 mi/11.2 km)• Distraction to 368,000 feet (70
mi/112 km)
![Page 32: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
What are the factors affecting the hazard level?
![Page 33: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Laser factorso Power, divergence, visible/non-visible,
wavelength, pulsed vs. CW• Operational factors
o Area covered in sky (stationary vs. moving)o Location relative to airportso Terminated vs. non-terminated beamso Use of airspace observers (spotters)o Use of automated detection (radar,
cameras)
![Page 34: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Situational factorso Day vs. nighto Aircraft speed and distance (helicopters at
risk)
• Laser pointer user factorso Deliberate (longer and more exposures) vs.
accidental (short, single event)
![Page 35: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Pilot factorso Read NOTAMso Flight phase (takeoff, landing, emergency)o Pilot experience and training
• Recognizing a laser event• Properly responding, to successfully avoid
problems
![Page 36: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Legal and regulatoryo Follow aviation authority procedures
• FAA, CDRH in USo Laws against interferenceo Restrict the sale or use of laser devices
• May not be practical• May give false sense of security• Does not guard against deliberate intent
![Page 37: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Single most effective way to
reduce the hazard?
![Page 38: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Laser illuminations can be managed with training
• Effective against both accidental and deliberate exposures
• Not a substitute for regulations and restrictions on law-abiding laser users
![Page 39: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Other important ways to reduce
the hazard
![Page 40: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Educate heavy laser pointer userso www.LaserPointerSafety.como Self-regulation/education by laser pointer
sellers• Package inserts• Permanent labels on laser pointers• Laser pointer seller participation in
regulatory efforts• Laser pointer seller trade association
![Page 41: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Facts, news and links on laser pointer safety
• Help reduce annoying and dangerous incidentso “Bad for safety” –
pilots, driverso “Bad for yourself” –
possible arrest, fines, jail
o “Bad for pointers” – misuse will lead to bans
![Page 42: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Require an “Aviation Safety Label” on appropriate laserso Low cost and easy to implement
• Labels are already required on laserso Addresses a hazard not on previous labelso Provides legal notice to users
• Helps establish willful intent
![Page 43: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
WARNING: DO NOT SHINE YOUR LASER AT AN AIRCRAFTShooting a laser at an aircraft is considered a felony in the
U.S.
![Page 44: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Label required ono Lasers with visible beamso Class 3 and Class 4o Longest dimension is 15 inches or less:
“handheld”
![Page 45: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Required text varies, depending on space available for label
![Page 46: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Details required in User Manual• Label text can vary for special lasers
o Laser Rescue Flare• “DO NOT aim at or near aircraft, except to make
your position known in an emergency situation or when a cooperating aircraft is looking for your signal. It is otherwise illegal to aim at aircraft and distract pilots.”
o Lasers used by government to notify or aid pilots
![Page 47: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Exemptions:o Lasers larger than “handheld”o High-divergence or diffuse beam
• <5 µW/cm² at all distances beyond 500 feeto Visual equivalence formula
• Takes wavelength into account• Equivalent of <5 µW/cm² at 500 feet at 555
nmo Diffracted lasers (“star” projectors)
![Page 48: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• How to require?o Easiest for CDRH to suggest voluntary
“guidance”o ILDA prefers mandated regulation
![Page 49: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
What regulations must be followed
in the U.S.?
![Page 50: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Federal Aviation Administrationo Has no direct authority over laser useso Requests that laser uses be reviewed in
advance by aerospace specialistso Issues a “Letter of Non-Objection” if OK;
a “Letter of Objection” if not OK
![Page 51: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Healtho Regulates laser devices (equipment)o Only regulates three uses
• Medical• Surveying• Demonstration
Includes laser pointers and light shows Demonstration users MUST file with FAA and MUST get a
“Letter of Non-Objection”. Only laser users legally required to get permission.
![Page 52: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Four zones around airports and sensitive airspace, for visual interferenceo “Laser-Free” Zone, < 0.05 μ/cm2
(50 nanowatts/cm2)o Critical Flight Zone, < 5.0 μ/cm2 o (optional) Sensitive Flight Zone, < 100 μ/cm2 o Normal Zone, <MPE, no visual restrictions
![Page 53: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
![Page 54: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
![Page 55: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Almost all lasers outdoors in the U.S.• Even if between two buildings on a city
streeto Helicopters may need to fly between the buildings
• Even if terminated from ground to surfaceso Termination may fail
• FAA control stops at about 60,000 feet• Some lasers are hazards above 60,000 feet
o Must be reported to Air Force Space Command• No current requirement to detect hard-to-
spot aircrafto Stealth, unmanned aerial vehicles, supersonic
![Page 56: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• FAA Form 7140-1 (part of Advisory Circular 70-1)
![Page 57: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Current status
![Page 58: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• SAE G-10T Laser Safety Hazards Subcommittee
• ANSI Z136.6 Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors
• Upcoming ILDA proposal for an Aviation Safety Label
![Page 59: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• SAE G-10T working on guidelines for automated detection and avoidance systems
• Prominent laser users (e.g., observatories) and laser shows follow FAA guidelines
• Laser pointers now are the area of primary concern
• Some concern over deliberate targeting to cause harmo Difficult to do, not very effective
![Page 60: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• This paper and its references• www.LaserPointerSafety.com
o Links page
![Page 61: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Questions
![Page 62: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
![Page 63: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
(Note: Slides after this point are “leftovers” which did not fit into the main presentation, or which had material included in other slides. They are left for
future versions which may find the leftover slides useful.)
![Page 64: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Laser power• Beam divergence• Visible vs. non-visible (infrared
and ultraviolet)• Color
o Green can be 2-10 times more visible than equal power red or blue lasers
• Pulsed vs. continuous
![Page 65: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Beam movemento Stationary: Smaller chance of flying through
beam; easier to protect via spotters or automated methods
o Moving (laser show): Greater chance of exposure
• Location relative to airports and airlanes
• Projector and laser stability
![Page 66: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Day vs. nighto Only dusk/night/dawn a problem for visible
laserso More visible lasers operate at night
• Motion and speed of the aircrafto Helicopters are at greatest risk due to hovering
• Distance to the aircrafto Low-flying planes and helicopters at greatest
risk
![Page 67: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Flight phaseo Takeoff, approach, landing, emergency
maneuvers
• Pilot awarenesso Prior exposure to laser illumination
concepts
• Pilot responseo Overreaction vs. “fly the plane”
![Page 68: Lasers and aviation Safety](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042608/5681408d550346895dac1a2b/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
International Laser Display Association
• Intento Deliberate targeting
• Longer exposure• May be coordinated with others (Sydney, 2008)• Easier to catch (though still not easy)• May recur, hit multiple planes and/or multiple
nightso Accidental targeting
• One-time-only accident