The Effects of Laser Illumination on Operational and Visual Performance of Pilots During Final Approach

Abstract

Work was accomplished under approved task AM-B-03-PRS-94. Abstract INTRODUCTION:Several hundred incidents involving the illumination of aircrew members by laser light have been reported in recent years, including several that could have had serious consequences. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the performance of pilots exposed to visible laser radiation during final approach maneuvers at 100 feet above the runway in the Laser-Free Zone (LFZ). METHODS: Thirty-four pilots served as test subjects for this study. Pilot performance was assessed in a Boeing 727-200 Level C flight simulator using four eye-safe levels of visible laser light (0, 0.5, 5, and 50 µW/cm 2 ) during four final approach maneuvers (three 30 o left and one 30 o right turn to final approach). Subjective responses were solicited after each trial and during an exit interview. The pilots were asked to rate on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = none, 2 = slight, 3 = moderate, 4 = great, and 5 = very great) the affect each laser exposure had on their ability to operate the aircraft and on their visual performance. The average subjective ratings were calculated for each exposure level and flight maneuver, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. RESULTS: Average subjective ratings for operational and visual performance were 2.93 (Range = 2.35 -3.29; SD = 1.37) and 3.16 (Range = 2.56 -3.62; SD = 1.30), respectively. ANOVA found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 0.5 µW/cm 2 operational and visual performance ratings and those for the 5 and 50 µW/cm 2 exposures. Approximately 75% of the survey responses indicated that subjects experienced adverse visual effects resulting in some degree of operational difficulty when illuminated by low-level laser radiation. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the illumination of flight crewmembers with laser radiation ≥ 0.5 µW/cm 2 is unacceptable in the LFZ. Provided the exposure limit established for the LFZ (i.e., 50 nW/cm 2 ) is not exceeded, a sufficient margin of safety appears to exist for protecting pilots from accidental laser exposure during final approach.17.

Laser irradiation in aviation transport

“…Pilot's primary risk is, a visual distraction in critical phases of flight, in worse cases, glare, or temporary flash blindness, can occur [5]. Class 2, 3R, 3B, and 4 laser pointers, which are over-thecounter, may exceed statutory safety standards.…”

Startle and Surprise on the Flight Deck

“…On the flight deck, pilots may be exposed to a variety of stimuli that have the potential to elicit the startle reflex and response. Visual stimuli, such as sudden illumination by lasers, have resulted in incidents where pilots have been startled or even disoriented, especially during the final approach phase (Nakagawara, Montgomery, Dillard, McLin, & Connor, 2004). The evidence suggests that in aviation, the immediate psychomotor impact of the startle reflex may induce brief disorientation and shortterm psychomotor impairments which are likely to lead to task interruptions, or brief confusion.…”

Automatic Laser Glare Suppression in Electro-Optical Sensors

“…Compact laser sources with emission wavelengths in the entire visible and near-infrared spectral region and with output powers up to several watts are available. In civil environments, particularly aircraft crews as well as motorists are potential victims of dazzling attacks [ 1 , 2 ]. In such cases, the loss of vision can lead to fatal accidents.…”