Dec 20, 2015
The Problem
• Increased laser strikes noted by airlines.
• Prevalence has increased throughout North America.
• Pilot and aircrew health and safety are at risk.
• OPERATOR OPERATOR, OPERATOR
• Operational input vital to success
Lasers and the Eye
Lasers
• I-Not so serious (Bad through optics)• II-serious• III-More serious• IIIB-Getting more serious• IV-Most serious
Perception of lasers - What do you see?
• Similar to exposure to bright lights
• Glare-obscured vision
• Flashblindness
• Afterimages
• Distraction and startle
Glare on Windscreen
Flight Performance
Symptoms following a Laser Strike
• Burning pain at sclera or cornea (pink eye)
• Strong afterimage (green for red laser, red for green laser)
• Difficulty perceiving colours
• Visual disorientation and headache
• Psychological effects
Perception of After-image-Demo-fixate dot 30 s
Perception of After-image-Demo-fixate dot 30 s
What can we do?
• Training Program– Awareness training
aircrew/management
• Advance Safety Management System– Develop SOPs– Develop Internal Review Process– Develop Medical protocol
How do we get there?
• Comprehensive Laser Strike Protection Program
– Phase 1 – Training and Program Analysis
– Phase 2 – Implement Training Program– Phase 3 – Implement Medical Protocol– Phase 4 – Explore protective
technologies
End State – Training and Medical Protocol
• Train ophthalmologists, aircrew, and support staff
• Implement pre-and post laser strike database
• Database and training program management
Questions