Report Laser Strikes
If hit by a laser, look away, don't rub your eyes and tell ATC; then report it to the CAA (rules 12.55 and 12.57) via 0508 4 SAFETY and the CAA800 form.
2 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
Laser strikes on aircraft – usually green, sometimes blue – are an ongoing problem. There's not a lot you can do to prevent them, but there's a bit you can do to mitigate their effects – and the most important thing is to report them.
Direct eye exposure to a laser beam can cause momentary flash 'blindness', where visual interference persists after the beam has gone. There can also be 'after-images' left in your visual field after the light moves away.
If you're hit by a laser
- Try not to look at the light. It's natural to want to find where it's coming from, but to limit the effects, train yourself to glance away.
- Don't rub your eyes. It's another natural response, but it can cause further irritation or injury.
- Report the strike immediately to ATC. Other aircraft need to know what they may be up against, and the police get a chance to follow it up.
- Turn up the cockpit lighting – it may help you get over the laser's effects.
Report it formally after landing
It's tempting not to bother after a long day, but reporting helps CAA analysts identify peaks in laser strikes at certain places, times of day or times of year – which helps other pilots be prepared. Civil Aviation Rules 12.55 and 12.57 require you to report a laser strike to the CAA, because it's "an immediate hazard to the safety of an aircraft operation".
Reporting is straightforward:
- Call 0508 4 SAFETY (0508 472 338).
- Follow up by completing the CAA800 Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire – mainly a checklist, and quick to fill out.
- Email the completed form to isi@caa.govt.nz.