A Review of Recent Laser Illumination Events in the Aviation Environment

Civil Aerospace Medical Institute2006PDFTech ReportNakagawara, Van B.Wood, Kathryn J.Montgomery, Ron W.United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Office of Aerospace MedicineUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Office of Aviation. Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteUnited StatesAir pilotsAviation safetyCivil aircraftDistractionLasersVisionVisually impaired personsAviationVisual impairmentLasersDOT/FAA/AM-06/23Public DomainFinal ReportFlight crewmember exposure to laser light, while operating an aircraft at night, has resulted in glare, flashblindness, and afterimage. Temporary visual impairment and the distraction, disorientation, and discomfort that can accompany it often result in hazardous situations. A database of aviation reports involving laser illumination of flight crewmembers has been established and maintained at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. A review of recent laser illumination reports was initiated to investigate the significance of these events.121