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