Light Signals And Pyro - S2 - C3

Question 1

Malicious Use of Lasers against Aircraft and ATS Facilities

Answer 1

The targeting of aircraft and ATS installations by lasers poses a threat to aircraft safety and security through the physiological impact upon pilots and ATS personnel.
There include;
- distraction
- glare
- temporary flash blindness
- afterimage
- possibly eye injury

Question 2

Malicious Use of Lasers against Aircraft

Answer 2

Where local arrangements have not been established, controllers should take the
ollowing actions whenever a report of a laser attack upon an aircraft is received:
- Acknowledge the report from the pilot;
- Seek as much information regarding the incident as possible from the pilot, including:
- the time of the attack;
- altitude and position at the time of the attack;
- description of the laser light i.e. colour, whether
continuous or pulsing etc;
- any avoiding action taken;
- any impact upon vision / concentration.
- Anticipate the need for the pilot to adopt manoeuvres/operational techniques to minimise the impact on the aircraft;
- Dial 999, and pass all relevant information to the local police;
- Warn pilots of other aircraft in the vicinity that laser activity has been reported. The duration of providing these warnings will be stated in MATS Part 2;
- Record the details in the ATC watch log and report the occurrence in accordance with Section 6.

Question 3

Malicious use of Lasers against ATS facilities

Answer 3

ATSUs should provide guidance to their staff in the event of being subjected to malicious illumination by lasers.
Measures should include:
- Look away from the laser beam if possible. Do not attempt to find the light source by staring at the laser;
- Shield eyes and consider the feasibility of lowering raising ‘sun blinds’ to reduce the effects of the laser;
- Advise aircraft under your control that a laser is illuminating you;
- Avoid rubbing the eyes to reduce the potential for corneal abrasion;
- Consider the feasibility of increasing ambient light levels to minimise any further illumination effects;
- Consider handing over the control position to a colleague in a position not exposed to the laser;
- Where local arrangements have not been established, inform a Supervisor who in turn can: decide on restricting traffic in/out of the aerodrome; inform the aerodrome operator; dial 999 and pass all relevant information to the local police;
- Ensure the event is recorded in the ATC watch log and reported for further investigation in accordance with Section 6.