Laser Physics reveals laser safety for aircrew

Incidents involving laser illumination of civilian and military aircraft have raised concerns within the aviation community around the world for more than a decade. Pilots and law enforcement personnel are increasingly exposed to red and green lasers that cause an immediate distraction. Accidental illuminations may result from an outdoor laser show for example, but more recently, illuminations have been the result of deliberate action, either because the person responsible has a lack of understanding of the consequences, or the individual illuminates an aircraft with the intent of doing harm. The problem has become more pronounced with the easy availability of powerful laser pointers, often purchased via the internet.

Laser illumination of aircraft is especially hazardous during landing and take-off from airports, or routine low-level law enforcement operations. It causes temporary flash blindness and creates a critical situation in the cockpit, unless the pilots are wearing suitable eye protection.

Temporary loss of vision is one of the commonest effects of lasers and can be associated with glare, flash blindness, blind spots, or even after-images that persist in the visual field after an exposure to a bright light.

In the US, the FAA has conducted a simulator study about the effects of laser illumination of various powers during final approach, and found the cockpit illumination by a legally available 5 mW laser pointer can easily cause glare and distract pilots up to 3700ft and that the FAA safe distance is considered to be 11,700 ft (<0,05μW/cm2) for such a laser beam.

Since 1968, when they introduced the first laser visors for the US Air Force, Sperian Protection have been the world leader in laser eyewear and avionic light management solutions and after working with key law-enforcement and military organizations in several major countries, Sperian Protection is proud to introduce their patent pending Laser Guard Sunglasses (LGS).

Laser Guard Sunglasses (LGS) significantly reduce the threat posed by powerful green and red lasers and lasers, while simultaneously providing the UV and glare protection offered by high quality sunglasses. By combining narrow band notch laser dyes and proprietary know-how, Sperian Protection have produced the ultimate in safety eyewear designed specifically for pilots exposed to red and green lasers.

Available in a choice of frame styles with interchangeable lenses, multiple adjustments and form fitting features, these patented lenses are available in two versions to ensure that pilots are protected around the clock -

• Soothing bronze coloured sunglass tint for the day
• Unique salmon coloured lens that provides excellent night time vision

Laser Guard Sunglasses combine laser protection with signal colour-recognition and unparalleled comfort, making it possible for pilots to do their job safely and effectively.

Source: Laser Physics