Laser strike!

Rykymus

Rykymus

Line Up and Wait
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Messages
647
Location
Allen, TX
Display Name
Rykymus
Home Airfield
KTKY
My daughter and I made a short flight from KSCK to KSJC yesterday to see the Blackhawks play the Sharks. On approach to KSCK 30L, about 7nm out, maybe 1500ft MSL, I picked up a red laser on the ground flashing across my eyes. It was not terribly bright, and it didn't cause any problems, but it was definitely there. It actually flashed sporadically several times before it stopped. I immediately reported it to San Jose tower, and took note of the buildings and such below, as well as taking a distance reading from the GPS when we were passing over it. Tower began issuing warning to everyone landing behind me, and once down they gave me their number to call for further questions. After shutdown, I checked Google maps (satellite view) to ID the area the flash came from, based on the buildings I had seen from the air, as well as the ground distance from the airport. (About 4nm) I gave that info to the tower. Of course, I doubt that they'll find the punks, but it was an interesting experience.
 
I'd also consider it cold have been one of those Christmas laser house light sets, had one of those get me last year, wasn't really bright enough to be anything other then annoying, but still noticeable.
 
I had no idea those things could be seen from the air. However, I doubt that was the case in this incident, as it was a few sporadic flashes, then nothing. Then again, I could be wrong.
 
Rykymus said:
I had no idea those things could be seen from the air. However, I doubt that was the case in this incident, as it was a few sporadic flashes, then nothing. Then again, I could be wrong.
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They are all over out there. I have seen at least 12 different Christmas light displays on 1 flight last year. As you move along they become obstructed and then can't be seen anymore they seem to just stop. It could very well have been just Christmas lights
 
The laser house lights can really be seen from the air. Not nearly as bad as being hit with one of those green laser pointers and more of just distracting red/green twinkles coming from the ground.
 
Wow... I was thinking of getting one of those laser lights as advertised on Tv. Changed my mind now.
 
Rykymus said:
Of course, I doubt that they'll find the punks, but it was an interesting experience.
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I dunno, that incident a week or so ago they caught the punks. Think there's a thread on it here. You did good in giving detailed info.
 
Rykymus said:
Tower began issuing warning to everyone landing behind me,
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That reminds me to ask, what is our procedure if we are warned of 'lasers in the area'?
Is there an AC on correct actions? Surely not, "don't look outside"? Maybe glimpse outside briefly in that area? Slink down in your seat and get on instruments?
 
Partner and I were hit by a green laser at work on halloween. Low level in a helicopter. Eyes felt gritty, like they had sand in them. There's a form on the faa website to fill out for laser strikes, and I can assure you that they are taken very seriously by both the FBI and FAA.
 
I could not find an AC on 'what pilots should do'. I guess I will continue flying with my welding hood.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
That reminds me to ask, what is our procedure if we are warned of 'lasers in the area'?
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Good question.

For a crew of one, I can't think of anything, other than requesting a different runway.

For a crew of two, maybe they could divide the sky in half, for watching out the window, so that only one is blinded?
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
That reminds me to ask, what is our procedure if we are warned of 'lasers in the area'?
Click to expand...

Just don't stare at it. The duration of exposure is what will cause problems. A momentary glance will be unlikely to cause any damage at those distances.
 
Last year I contacted the FAA Laser Reports group and asked for guidance on the topic of laser holiday lights (also used as landscape lighting). They never even responded. Maybe I was just expecting too much... after all, they are FAA employees...

BTW, also contacted the FAA at my local Class D... also no answer.
 
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