Federal Aviation Administration Laser Illumination of Pilots in

Federal Aviation Administration Laser Illumination of Pilots in the National Airspace System Presented to: 2009 International Laser Safety Conference By: Van B. Nakagawara, O. D. Date: March 23 -26, 2009 Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration

What is a Laser? Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 2

Lasers in Vision Care The excimer lasers removes tissue from the cornea’s internal layers.

Lasers demonstrations are used to attract and entertain the public at special events, theme parks, and casinos.

Defense Lasers

Other Outdoor Lasers § Deep Space Communications § Near-earth Object Imaging § Astronomy § Geographic Research § Atmospheric Research

FAA Order 7400. 2 Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, Part 6. Miscellaneous Procedures, Chapter 29: Outdoor Laser Operations.

FAA Laser Policy Prior to 1995, the FAA policy limited laser exposure within the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) in navigable airspace to less than the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) that can result in tissue damage. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 9

Exceeding the MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure) Wavelength Effects <300 nm: Corneal photokeratitis. 300 - 400 nm: Photochemical UV cataract. 400 - 780 nm: Photochemical and thermal retinal injury. 780 - 1400 nm: Cataract, retinal burns. 1400 - 3000 nm: Corneal burn, IR cataract. >3000 nm: Corneal burn. NOTE: Optical gain of the eye is about 105. In the retinal hazard region (400 – 1400 nm), irradiance of 1 m. W/cm 2 entering the eye is increased to 100 W/cm 2 at the retina.

< MPE Illumination & Temporary Visual Impairment • Glare – Obscuration of an object in a person's field of vision due to a bright light source near the same line-of sight (e. g. , oncoming car headlights). • Flashblindness – A visual interference effect that persists after the source of illumination has ceased. • Afterimage – A reverse contrast shadow image left in the visual field after an exposure to a bright light that may persist for several minutes. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 11

FDA Laser Regulation Since 1976, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has regulated the manufacturers of all laser devices sold in the U. S. under Title 21 CFR Parts 1010 & 1040. These devices include lasers used to conduct outdoor laser light shows (demonstrations). Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 12

CDRH Regulations The manufacturer must certify that a laser product’s performance meets applicable CDRH performance standards and provide labeling to indicate compliance and laser hazard classification. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 13

FAA Involvement In late 1995, the FAA received reports of 52 incidents of aircraft illuminations from laser lights in or near Las Vegas. Of these, 11 incidents resulted in temporary visual impairment of flight crewmembers, and 24 took place during critical phases of flight. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 14

NTSB Report # LAX 96 IA 032: A Southwest Airline’s First Officer (FO) was visually incapacitated on departure from Las Vegas. The captain assumed control of the aircraft. The FO experienced eye pain and was temporarily blinded in the right eye. Inability to see lasted for 30 seconds (10/95). Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 15

At the FAA’s request, the FDA issued a moratorium ceasing all outdoor laser activities in the Las Vegas area on Dec. 11, 1995. Government and laser industry representatives met to develop appropriate guidelines.

FAA Order 7400. 2 was revised to establish zones of navigable airspace around airports to protect flight crewmembers from temporary visual impairment during critical flight operations. Available online at: http: //www. faa. gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/at_orders/media/AIR. pdf Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 17

FAA Order 7400. 2 FLIGHT ZONES

FAA Order 7400. 2 FLIGHT ZONES

Potential Visual Effects vary with Laser Power and Distance from Source

FAA Responsibilities: • FAA Order 7400. 2 requires the FAA to conduct an aeronautical study for purposed outdoor laser activities to determine the potential effects upon aircraft operations. • FAA issues a letter of determination (Objection or Non-Objection). Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 21

Research was needed to validate the newly established exposure limits were adequate to ensure aviation safety for pilots in a cockpit environment.

FAA/USAF Flight Simulator Study

Effects of Laser Illumination on Operational and Visual Performance of Pilots Conducting Terminal Operations § 34 Subjects § 12 Approach and 4 Departure Maneuvers § Frequency Doubled Nd: YAG (532 nm) Laser § 4 Levels of Laser Exposure (included one zero level exposure)

FAA 737 Flight Simulator View of final approach to runway at 100 feet AGL Kodak DC 240, aperture f/2. 8, shutter speed 1/6 s

Irradiance level: 0. 5 µW/cm 2 Simulates the effect of a 5 m. W green laser pointer as seen from 3, 000 feet away, or a 300 m. W laser from 16, 000 feet away

Irradiance level: 5 µW/cm 2 Simulates the effect of a 5 m. W green laser pointer as seen from 1, 000 feet away, or a 300 m. W laser from 6, 700 feet away

Irradiance level: 50 µW/cm 2 Simulates the effect of a 5 m. W green laser pointer as seen from 330 feet away, or a 300 m. W laser from 2, 400 feet away

Results of the simulator study indicated that the changes made to FAA Order 7400. 2 were adequate to protect aviators from visual impairment in the Critical and Laser. Free Zones around airports. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 29

Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports Available at: http: //www. faa. gov/library/reports/medical/oamtechreports/index. cfm

Guidance for Laser Proponents and Regulatory Personnel Include: SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice and Aerospace Standard Reports § ARP 5535 – Observers for Laser Safety in the Navigable Airspace § ARP 5572 – Control Measures for Laser Safety in Navigable Airspace § AS 4970 – Human Factors Considerations for Outdoor Laser Operations in the Navigable Airspace

American National Standards Institute (ANSI): § ANSI Z 136. 1 - American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers § ANSI Z 136. 6 - American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): § SARP (Standard and Recommended Practice) § Manual on Laser Emitters and Flight Safety

Laser Pointers – A New Dilemma As incidents associated with laser displays declined, the increased availability and popularity of handheld lasers presented an increasing threat to aviators. Between 1 January 2004 and 31 January 2005, there were 90 reports of laser illumination. More importantly, 93% occurred in the last 3 months of the study period.

In recent years, more powerful handheld lasers have become affordable. Green lasers are especially popular because they can appear up to 35 times brighter than some red laser pointers with similar output power. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 34

Green laser pointers are now responsible for > 86% of aircraft lazing incidents. Their light (532 nm) is near the human eyes’ peak photopic and scotopic sensitivity. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 35

Laser Pointers on Steroids Class 3 B handheld lasers are available on the Internet. Within the NOHD, momentary exposure (≤ 0. 25 s) can cause eye damage. Wavelengths: 405, 473, 532, 635, 650 nm Power output: 5 – 400 m. W Range: up to 20 miles .

DOT Secretary Announces New Policy On January 12, 2005, Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, announced the publication of a new Advisory Circular, entitled “Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft” (AC No: 7002).

Advisory Circular: AC 70 -02 New FAA policy (AC 70 -02) was established to protect aircrews and passengers, improve reporting and enforcement, and to discourage future laser incidents.

Since Issuance of AC 70 -02: • The reporting process has improved, • Communication and coordination between local air traffic authorities and law enforcement have been enhanced, and • Arrests of perpetrators have increased. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 40

The Frequency of Laser Incidents by Year Reports of illumination incidents for both the aircraft and, more importantly, the cockpit, have increased dramatically from 2004 through 2007. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 41

Dec. 29, 2004 - A New Jersey man was charged under federal Patriot Act antiterrorism laws (fines up to $500, 000 and/or 25 years in prison) after he allegedly shone a green laser pointer at a commuter aircraft from about 4, 100 feet. Charges were later reduced to lying to a federal agent. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 42

August 15, 2007 - The FBI arrested a 47 -YO man from Clint (TX) for shining a laser at commercial airplanes. The confiscated device was a Class 3 B laser about the size of a flashlight. The FBI believed he may be connected to three similar illumination incidents. The suspect could have faced up to 20 years in prison. http: //www. kfoxtv. com/news/13903480/detail. html Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 43

June 4, 2008 - A 24 -YO man was charged with four counts of discharging a laser and causing the pilots to be temporary visual impaired or disoriented. The green beam was directed at two planes landing at Cleveland (OH) Hopkins International Airport: a Life Flight helicopter, and a Cleveland police helicopter. Police found the suspect in the rear passenger seat of a car holding the laser. He was later convicted and sentenced to 3 years in prison. http: //blog. cleveland. com/metro/2008/06/man_accused_of_pointing_laser. html Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 44

May 8, 2008 – A police helicopter pilot was temporarily blinded by a laser illumination as he flew over Lancashire (UK). The pilot took "evasive action" while in mid-air to avoid crashing to the ground during the incident. A 45 -YO man was arrested. It was the third incident in seven days where a helicopter pilot had been dazzled by lasers. The pens used had been bought on e. Bay and were believed to be more powerful than a normal laser pen. http: //www. lep. co. uk/news/Man-arrested-in-helicopter-laser. 4061881. jp Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 45

March 5, 2008 - Transport Canada reports indicate laser incidents are occurring with an alarming frequency. There have been 11 incidents reported in Ontario since last March, but many more may have gone unreported. A total of 33 pilots across Canada have reported being flashed by a laser beam while flying. http: //www. thestar. com/News/GTA/article/309525 Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 46

August 15, 2007 - Australia introduced 2 -year jail terms and fines of up to $30 K for shining lasers on aircraft in flight. The government says incidents are happening 2 -3/week in Australia. Authorities have reports of 170 lasing incidents since January 2006. The government announced it would ban imports of high-intensity laser pointers (effective July 1, 2008). -perrett@aviationweek. com Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 47

March 30, 2008 - Six aircraft flying into Sydney (Australia) Airport were hit by blinding green lights in what safety officials say is the city's worst laser attack. It was the first recorded "cluster attack" in which three or four people used lasers to make a coordinated attack on aircraft coming into the airport over heavily populated suburbs. Air traffic control closed the approach flight path and diverted incoming aircraft to a different runway, forcing delays in some flights. The laser attacks were from 10: 15 to 10: 30 pm. http: //www. smh. com. au/news/national/laser-snipers-hit-planes/2008/03/29/1206207485440. html Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 48

April 2008 - A new law proposed by the Premier of New South Wales declares possession of the handheld lasers a serious crime, punishable by up to 14 years in prison, depending on the device’s power. Weaker lasers could carry a $5, 000 fine or 2 years in jail, and there would be exemptions only for teachers, construction crews, and certain scientists. http: //thelede. blogs. nytimes. com/2008/04/21/australia-takes-on-laser-lunatics/? hp Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 49

Aircraft Cockpit Illumination by Altitude Percentage of Cockpit Illuminations by Altitude, Flight Zone and Year K Feet 2004 2005 2006 2007 TOTAL 0 – 0. 9 0. 0% 3. 4% 2. 7% 7. 7% 5. 2% 1 – 1. 9 6. 7% 7. 5% 13. 1% 11. 8% 11. 3% 6. 7% 11. 0% 15. 8% 19. 6% 16. 5% 2 – 2. 9 6. 7% 9. 6% 11. 3% 16. 3% 13. 3% 3 – 3. 9 26. 7% 11. 0% 12. 6% 13. 8% 13. 1% 4 – 4. 9 20. 0% 10. 3% 14. 4% 8. 8% 11. 0% 5 – 5. 9 0. 0% 11. 0% 7. 2% 6. 3% 7. 4% 6 – 6. 9 6. 7% 7. 5% 10. 8% 8. 8% 9. 1% 7 – 7. 9 6. 7% 5. 5% 6. 8% 4. 7% 5. 5% 8 – 8. 9 13. 3% 10. 3% 6. 3% 4. 1% 6. 2% 9 – 9. 9 13. 3% 3. 4% 2. 3% 3. 0% 3. 1% CFZ Total 93. 3% 68. 5% 71. 6% 65. 8% 68. 6% >10 K Total 0% 20. 5% 12. 6% 14. 9% Laser Free Zone LFZ Total Critical Flight Zone Note: 16. 5% of illuminations of the aircraft cockpit are below 2000 feet AGL. Almost 69% of illuminations are in the CFZ.

Laser Incident Rate by Region and Year The incident rate was highest in the AWP (0. 86/100 K flight operations) for the 2004 -2006 period.

Traffic Volume by Region By region, the percentage of traffic volume is disproportionate to the rate of illuminations. The percentage of traffic volume for a particular region is the number of flight operations in that region divided by the total number for the NAS. Note: The Western Pacific region’s incident rate was 3. 6 times higher than that of the Southern region (0. 86 and 0. 24/100 K flight operations, respectively) although both had similar traffic volumes (22 and 21%, respectively).

Airports with 10 or More Laser Incidents Incident clusters specific to a particular airport can distort the incident rate (per 100 K flight operations) for an entire region. Clusters occur at random over periods of a few days or months.

Visual and Physiological Effects and Operational Problems by Altitude VISUAL EFFECTS ZONE PAIN/ INJURY OPERATIONAL PROBLEM COCKPIT ILLUMINATIONS GLARE FLASHBLINDNESS AFTER-IMAGE LASER FREE 4 6 9 5 10 18 CRITICAL 8 14 9 7 13 37 ≥ 10 K 5 5 1 0 1 9 TOTAL 17 25 19 12 24 64 Of 746 cockpit illuminations where altitude was provided, 8. 6% described one or more adverse effects (2004 -2007). These include visual effects (8. 2%), pain and/or possible injury (1. 6%), and operational problems (3. 2%).

Percentage of Laser Illuminations by Month Type of Flight Laser Illuminations occur most frequently in November, December, and February, and least frequently in May, June, and July. About 66% of all illuminations are of commercial aircraft. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 55

Percentage of Laser Illuminations by Time of Day Note: Laser Illuminations occur most frequently from 6: 30 – 11: 30 p. m. Laser Illumination of Pilots in the NAS March 23 -26, 2009 Federal Aviation Administration 56

Summary § The incidence of illumination is significantly higher in the Western Pacific region. § Almost 70% of laser incidents occur between 2 K and 10 K feet AGL § Almost 70% of all incidents occur between the hours of 7 to 11 pm (25% between 9 – 10 pm). § The fewest incidents occur during the months of May, June, and July (16%). § Percentage of incidents by type of flight: • 66% Commercial • 6% Helicopters (Med Evac. /Law Enf. )

Conclusions § Incidents associated with authorized laser operations are rare, but illumination reports from handheld lasers have increased in recent years. This may be due to increased awareness and a better reporting system (AC 70 -2). § Handheld lasers are cheaper and more powerful. § Better consumer awareness may be needed concerning misuse and potential penalties (e. g. , FDA labeling). § Continued monitoring by aviation & law enforcement is warranted.