AIM
4/3/14
7−5−10
Potential Flight Hazards
Sufficient dischargers must be provided to allow for
current−carrying capacity which will maintain
airframe potential below the corona threshold of the
trailing edges.
h.
In order to achieve full performance of avionic
equipment, the static discharge system will require
periodic maintenance. A pilot knowledgeable of
P−static causes and effects is an important element in
assuring optimum performance by early recognition
of these types of problems.
7
−
5
−
12. Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation (Laser) Operations
and Reporting Illumination of Aircraft
a.
Lasers have many applications. Of concern to
users of the National Airspace System are those laser
events that may affect pilots, e.g., outdoor laser light
shows or demonstrations for entertainment and
advertisements at special events and theme parks.
Generally, the beams from these events appear as
bright blue−green in color; however, they may be red,
yellow, or white. However, some laser systems
produce light which is invisible to the human eye.
b.
FAA regulations prohibit the disruption of
aviation activity by any person on the ground or in the
air. The FAA and the Food and Drug Administration
(the Federal agency that has the responsibility to
enforce compliance with Federal requirements for
laser systems and laser light show products) are
working together to ensure that operators of these
devices do not pose a hazard to aircraft operators.
c.
Pilots should be aware that illumination from
these laser operations are able to create temporary
vision impairment miles from the actual location. In
addition, these operations can produce permanent eye
damage. Pilots should make themselves aware of
where these activities are being conducted and avoid
these areas if possible.
d.
Recent and increasing incidents of unautho-
rized illumination of aircraft by lasers, as well as the
proliferation and increasing sophistication of laser
devices available to the general public, dictates that
the FAA, in coordination with other government
agencies, take action to safeguard flights from these
unauthorized illuminations.
e.
Pilots should report laser illumination activity to
the controlling Air Traffic Control facilities, Federal
Contract Towers or Flight Service Stations as soon as
possible after the event. The following information
should be included:
1.
UTC Date and Time of Event.
2.
Call Sign or Aircraft Registration Number.
3.
Type Aircraft.
4.
Nearest Major City.
5.
Altitude.
6.
Location of Event (Latitude/Longitude and/
or Fixed Radial Distance (FRD)).
7.
Brief Description of the Event and any other
Pertinent Information.
f.
Pilots are also encouraged to complete the
Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire located
on the FAA Laser Safety Initiative website at
http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/
and submit electronically per the directions on the
questionnaire, as soon as possible after landing.
g.
When a laser event is reported to an air traffic
facility, a general caution warning will be broad-
casted on all appropriate frequencies every
five minutes for 20 minutes and broadcasted on the
ATIS for one hour following the report.
PHRASEOLOGY
−
UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION EVENT,
(UTC time), (location), (altitude), (color), (direction).
EXAMPLE
−
“Unauthorized laser illumination event, at 0100z, 8 mile
final runway 18R at 3,000 feet, green laser from the
southwest.”
REFERENCE
−
FAAO 7110.65, Unauthorized Laser Illumination of Aircraft,
Para 10
−2−14.
FAAO 7210.3, Reporting Laser Illumination of Aircraft, Para 2
−1−27.
h.
When these activities become known to the
FAA, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) are issued to
inform the aviation community of the events. Pilots
should consult NOTAMs or the Special Notices
section of the Airport/Facility Directory for informa-
tion regarding these activities.