PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - L@ser & searchlight attacks on aircraft (incl prison sentences on offenders)
Old 31st Dec 2012, 12:16
  #211 (permalink)  
SilsoeSid

Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
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Sounds good Send'em but what are the 'instructions' that go with the signalling laser?
Surely if you are looking for someone, the green laser beams' source can be seen without pointing it at the ac itself. Maybe for an initial contact, but how do the rescue crew acknowledge the sighting?

Rather than blinding, by ruining the crews night vision literally in a flash, aren't rescue strobe lights a better location aid?

Having been lasered quite a few times, the last thing I'd need while approaching a landing site is a light blooming the screen from someone 'trying to help' illuminate the location for example.

It is 5mW - enough to be seen as a bright dot in the distance but nowhere near enough to illuminate cockpit or disrupt flying.

Your problem lasers are 200mW or greater (also usually green since they appear brighter to the human eye). Technically not for sale in the UK but available by post.
The 'problem lasers' give the same effect as your rescue laser. Distrating, ruining night vision and blooming the screens! This may well not cause any retina damage, but that isn't the only 'problem'.


Laser Pointer Safety - FAQ
When does a laser pointer get powerful enough to be dangerous?
There is no specific threshold between a "safe" laser beam, a potentially hazardous one, and a clearly dangerous beam. The following are some guidelines.

Bright Light Hazard

Even a "legal" (in the U.S.) 5 milliwatt laser pointer can be a potential hazard if the light distracts or temporarily flashblinds a person such as a pilot. This is why you NEVER aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, or the driver of a vehicle.

Send'em, 2 things.. are you a pilot that has actually experienced being 'lasered'? and have you actually seen your own link?
It is 5mW - enough to be seen as a bright dot in the distance but nowhere near enough to illuminate cockpit or disrupt flying.
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