Flight hazards from lasers in airspace: Summary of society of automotive engineers (SAE) G-10T committee activities

Due to their high tech marketing allure, outdoor laser light shows began to proliferate in the early 1990’s. While these shows were spectacular and entertaining, several of these shows were reportedly involved with aircrew laser illuminations. As a result of these incidents, Captain Charles “Bill” Connor formed a laser hazards committee under the Aerospace Council of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This committee, now know as the SAE G-10T, first met in Las Vegas during the summer of 1994. The committee has since been working diligently to understand the risks to aircrews and to develop new safety guidelines to prevent future aircraft accidents from laser exposures. The work of this committee has centered on issues concerning outdoor laser shows and scientific lasers. The primary result of the committee’s efforts has been the revision of FAA Order 7400.2D to deal with the serious flight hazards of lasers beyond eye damage distances. Concurrently the ANSI Z136.6, Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors, has also been developed. Examples of topics the committee members have been involved with include: activities to educate pilots, laser users and the public about laser hazards; evaluating control measures; conducting research; establishing a remote radar users group; and developing a rapid response protocol. The committee work is ongoing as laser use outdoors continues to increase.