Lasers - A Dangerous Game

Laser devices that create a very bright, focused beam of light have become less expensive over the years. What was once a laboratory research device can now be purchased inexpensively at retail stores. Although going out at night and shining a laser beam around may seem like a harmless activity, if that light is pointed accidentally or deliberately at an aircraft, the consequences could be terrible.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that in 2011, incidents of aircraft being targets of laser beams will exceed previous years, already in the thousands, by 35 percent. There is a growing concern for what is becoming an epidemic of laser targeting. And the federal government takes it seriously; conviction for targeting an aircraft with a laser can result in fines and jail time.

It may seem harmless to point a low-powered laser into the sky, or even directly at an aircraft. But it is not, and here is why:

- Laser light is very focused and bright, which is the whole purpose of laser design. Even at a distance, lasers shined into the eye can cause temporary blindness, headaches, loss of night vision, and disorientation to pilots.

- Laser light is often green or red in color. These happen to be the same colors used on wingtip navigation lights used for collision avoidance on aircraft (and boats). The sudden red or green beam in a cockpit can make a pilot react suddenly, because a light that bright normally means another aircraft is extremely close and a collision is about to happen. A pilot reacting to a laser targeting may lose control of the aircraft trying to avoid a threat that is not there.

- If no other effects occur, a pilot can temporarily lose sight of the instrument panel, radio controls and other interior features. Many aircraft exposed to lasers are near airports, and are either approaching or departing the airport. This is a busy time for a pilot, with many responsibilities to manage. Losing the ability to see, even for a short time, can be devastating.

Do not play with lasers outdoors at night, and do not ever shine a laser into the sky, even if an aircraft is not seen. Laser light can travel a significant distance, and you should never assume there is no risk. The government is prosecuting people caught using lasers on aircraft, please don't allow yourself to be one of them.