Laser attack on aircraft Capt. Jo Schoenmaker

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Laser attack on aircraftCapt. Jo Schoenmaker
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European Cockpit Association

• ECA created in 1991
• Representative body of European Flight Crews at
  European Union (EU) level.
• Represents over 38,650 European pilots in 38
  European countries.
• ECA's Mission Striving for the highest levels
  of aviation safety and fostering social rights
  and quality employment for pilots in Europe."

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International Federation of Air Line Pilots
Associations

• IFALPA created in 1948
• Approx 100 Member Associations world-wide
• In excess of 100,000 pilot members
• IFALPAs mission To promote the highest level
  of aviation safety world-wide and to provide
  representation, services and support to all of
  its Member Associations.

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Whats the fuss about?

• Occurrences

• Is it impairing flight safety?

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Occurrences
Country 2008 2009 2010
France - - 600
Netherlands - 270 470
Germany 1 33 273
Norway 5 119 155
Sweden 5 87 128
United Kingdom 206 739 1494
USA 1527 2836
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Why is it dangerous

• Distraction
• Visual effects - Glare
• - Flash blindness
• - After Image
• Eye injury

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Normal Safety Precautions

• International operational safety standards for
  Aviation
• Concept for
• Approach preparation / Night adaption of eyes
• Sterile Cockpit lt 10.000 ft
• Stabilized approach lt 1.000 ft

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Distraction endangering

• Distraction of flight crew
• Disrupt cockpit procedures
• Disrupt crew coordination
• Disrupt ATC communication
• Degrade flight performance
• Result Safety is endangered

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Effects of laser
50 Mw Eye hazard 260 ft No hazard gt1,92
Nm 1.000 mW Eye hazard 728 ft No hazard gt 27
Nm
Source FAA
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Effect of laser
3700 ft
1200 ft
350 ft
SourceFAA
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5mW at 350 ft / 300 mW at 2.400 ft
SourceFAA
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As seen from the flight deck
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Factors of influence

• Flight phase
• Aircraft flying preestablished routes
• Colour blindness
• HUD (Head up display)
• Pilot awareness and response

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Recommended flight deck procedures

• Look away from the laser / shield your eyes
• Avoid rubbing of eyes
• Consider engaging autopilot or hand over controls
• Turn up cockpit lighting
• Check for dark/disturbed areas in vision
• Inform ATC
• File an Air Safety Report (ASR)
• Seek aeromedical or optometrist advice

Full text http//www.ifalpa.org/downloads/Level1/
Briefing20Leaflets/Medical/09MEDBL0720-20Effect
s20of20laser20illumination20of20aircraft.pdf
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Challenges

• No awareness of the danger
• It is not an offence/crime in many countries
• No standards / no reporting system
• Police have a hard time finding perpetrators
• Outbound flights no notification (police)

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Way forward

• Laser attack endangering safety
• unlawful interference
• incident ? ASR
• EU adoption of Doc 9815
• Harmonize legal actions
• Proportionate penalties
• Standard reporting procedures ? ATC / police
• Awareness campaigns

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Way forward?

• Regarding lasers gt 5 mW
• Regulate trade / purchase / possession / use
• Lasers (gt 50 mW) weapon
• Development of mitigating technologies

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UK example

• CAA WG laser
• Legislation specific on laser light
• Prosecution 24 successful
• CAA guidance to flight crew and towers
• Standard laser incident reports
• Awareness campaigns

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Thank you

• Capt. Jo Schoenmaker
• j.schoenmaker_at_vnv-dalpa.nl
• 31 6 149 76 125