In response to the recent, unauthorized illumination of aircraft with lasers, on January 11, 2005, the FAA issued AC 70-2: Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft. The AC provides information for aircrews to protect themselves and to report laser illumination incidents. The AC is effective January 19, 2005.
Aircrews are requested to report incidents of laser illumination to directly ATC or to broadcast over UNICOM in uncontrolled airspace. When ATC receives a report within the vicinity of an airport, it will add a notice to the local ATIS for at least one hour after the incident. In addition to the airborne report, pilots are also requested to submit a Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire which can be found in the advisory circular’s appendix. The completed questionnaire should be faxed to Washington Operations Control Center at (202) 267-5289.
If an aircraft is illuminated during flight in controlled airspace, ATC authorization is required in order for an aircrew to deviate from the last assigned clearance. The AC also advises aircrews to avoid direct eye contact with the laser and to shield their eyes to the maximum extent possible while still safely flying the aircraft.
