ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the hazards of eye-safe but too-bright laser beams for pilots. In almost all reports of bright light visual interference, the light is known or is assumed to involve lasers. This is due to lasers' low-divergence beams, relatively low cost, portability/ease of use, and widespread availability. The primary concern of laser/aviation experts is when unauthorized laser light interferes with pilots' vision during a critical phase of flight, or otherwise adversely affects their ability to safely operate the aircraft. There are a number of ways to reduce the hazard of laser visual interference with pilots. These include reducing the number of incidents, reducing the light brightness, and better education of pilots. The number of incidents could theoretically be reduced by methods including: educating users of the potential hazards, prosecuting and publicizing those arrested for lasing aircraft, and restricting access to handheld lasers.
