The pointer laser threat.Laser pointers A laser pointer is a portable, pen-sized laser designed to be held in the hand, and most commonly used to project a point of light to highlight items of interest during a presentation. , handheld lasers, and other bright light sources are being pointed at helicopters and aircraft from the ground at an alarming rate. Illumination illumination, in art illumination, in art, decoration of manuscripts and books with colored, gilded pictures, often referred to as miniatures (see miniature painting); historiated and decorated initials; and ornamental border designs. by a laser beam at night can distract pilots and even cause fatalities if it occurs during a critical phase of flight. After unknown laser light sources illuminated il·lu·mi·nate v. il·lu·mi·nat·ed, il·lu·mi·nat·ing, il·lu·mi·nates v.tr. 1. To provide or brighten with light. 2. To decorate or hang with lights. 3. several commercial aircraft in 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), component of the U.S. Department of Transportation that sets standards for the air-worthiness of all civilian aircraft, inspects and licenses them, and regulates civilian and military air traffic through its air traffic control (FAA), in partnership with the Ontario International Airport in California, began tracking laser illuminations against aircraft and helicopters. Since 1997, the FAA has documented over 200 laser incidents occurring over a geographical area covering 16 states. (2) The majority of laser pointer illuminations cause reactions of startling star·tle v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. , after imaging, or flash blinding. However, if the laser is powerful enough or sustained on the eye long enough, eye damage can occur. Additionally, bundling lasers, or "six-packs," is a technique that gangs in California have used against law enforcement helicopters. Many varieties of pointer lasers exist and some that project a beam that can reach 1,500 feet cost as little as $15. For a helicopter operating at night between 500 and 1,000 feet, laser beams can present a real threat to pilot safety. If possible, an individual who is illuminated should look away immediately from the beam, contact ground units for support to locate the laser source, and report the illumination to the FAA. Currently, the FAA is coordinating the publication of a document that will assist the aviation community in understanding and thwarting thwart tr.v. thwart·ed, thwart·ing, thwarts 1. To prevent the occurrence, realization, or attainment of: They thwarted her plans. 2. the pointer laser threat. Endnotes (1.) The Las Vegas Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. , Nevada, Metro Police Department was illuminated March 29, 1999. The pilot was flash blinded and suffered from eye irritation for 3 days. (2.) FAA Security in the western Pacific Region and at the Ontario International Airport in California has been documenting laser illuminations against aircraft and helicopters since 1997. Submitted by Madelyn I. Sawyer, Federal Aviation Administration. |
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