M1, S2, C3 - Light Signals And Pyrotechnics

Question 1

Light displays must never be directed…

Answer 1

…at or towards aircraft or aerodromes

Question 2

Specific guidelines apply to light displays using laser and searchlights within…

Answer 2

…500m either side of extended runway centrelines, within 10 miles of an aerodrome.

Within 3 miles of an aerodrome but not on the extended centreline, the same guidelines apply but with the addition that any light should not stray towards the aerodrome or the extended centreline.

In both cases, information should be passed to any affected aircraft.

If a pilot requests that the lights are extinguished or if ATC consider this necessary, then action should be taken without delay.

Question 3

Guidelines have also been laid down for fireworks displays which should be limited to…

Answer 3

…a height of 1500ft AGL and should not take place within 500m either side of the extended runway centreline, within 5 miles of an aerodrome, or within 2 miles radius of an aerodrome.

However, published guidelines take apply if a fireworks display is to take place within these parameters.

Question 4

Where local arrangements have not been established, controllers should take the following actions whenever a report of a laser attack upon an aircraft is received:

Answer 4

1) acknowledge the report from the pilot
2) seek as much information regarding the incident as possible from the pilot, including:

A) the time of the attack

B) altitude and position at the time of the attack

C) description of the laser light is colour, whether continuous or pulsing

D) any avoiding action taken

E) any impact upon vision/concentration

3) anticipate the need for the pilot to adopt manoeuvres/operational techniques to minimise the impact on the aircraft
4) dial 999 and pass all relevant info to the police
5) warn pilots of other aircraft in the vicinity that laser activity has been reported. The duration for this will be published in MATS 2
6) Record details in the watch log and report the incident

Question 5

ATSUs should provide guidance to their staff in the event of being subjected to malicious illumination by lasers. Measures should include:

Answer 5

1) look away from the laser beam if possible. Do not attempt to find the light source by staring at the laser
2) shield eyes and consider the feasibility of lowering/raising blinds to reduce the effects of the laser
3) advise aircraft under your control tat a laser is illuminating you
4) avoid rubbing eyes to reduce the potential for corneal abrasion
5) consider the feasibility of increasing ambient light levels to minimise any further illumination effects
6) consider handing over the control position to a colleague in a position not exposed to the laser
7) where local arrangements have not been established, inform a supervisor who in tune can decide on restricting traffic, inform the AO, dial 999
8) ensure the event is recorded in the ATC watch log and reported for further investigation

Guidance to ATSU staff in making a decision on whether or not to see an eye specialist following exposure to a laser beam in provided in MATS 1, annex I - laser self assessment