LASER LIGHT ENCOUNTERS

1. LASER LIGHT ENCOUNTERS Several Florida West pilots have reported that the cockpit of their aircraft was illuminated by a laser light in the vicinity of VCP – (SBKP)-Recently at 200 ft agl on Rwy 15 Depending on the flight altitude and whether or not the light hit the pilot directly in the eyes, this could be a serious problem Breaking out at minimums and immediately getting “flashed” could be catastrophic-Unless you are prepared All Pilots should anticipate and brief that they will be targeted on every approach and departure at airports with known laser activity Pilots need to know what steps to take if laser lights are encountered and be aware that we need your reports all such events The following pages give guidance on what you can do and how to make your report. Thank you FWIA Safety Department

2. IN FLIGHT, WHAT ACTIONS CAN I TAKE? FAA RECOMMENDATIONS (From Reference 2 on Next Page) Continuing research and interviews with pilots who were victims of lasing events have provided a list of recommended actions to minimize the effects of laser illumination: Anticipate – When operating in a known or suspected laser environment, the non-flying pilot should be prepared to take control of the aircraft. Aviate – Check aircraft configuration and (if available) consider engaging the autopilot to maintain the established flight path. Navigate – Use the fuselage of the aircraft to block the laser beam by climbing or turning away. Communicate – Inform Air Traffic Control of the situation. Include location/direction of the beam, your present location, altitude, etc. Once on the ground, make a safety report to your company Illuminate – Turn up the cockpit lights to minimize any further illumination effects. Delegate – If another crewmember has avoided exposure, consider handing over control to the unexposed crewmember. Attenuate – Shield your eyes when possible (hand, clipboard, visor, etc.). Do not look directly at the laser beam and avoid drawing other crewmembers’ attention to the beam. Do Not Exacerbate – Avoid rubbing of eyes and possibly inducing further injury. Evaluate – If any visual symptoms persist after landing, get an examination by an eye doctor.

3. “REPORTING OF LASER ILLUMINATION OF AIRCRAFT” • If you a involved in a laser incident while in the air, report it to ATC on the assigned frequency, or on an appropriate frequency. • Filling out a Florida West Safety Report will Let us keep all our pilots informed of trouble spots and hopefully get the local authorities to put a stop to these events. As soon as you can, fill out an INCIDENT REPORT on the FWIA Safety Web Site. http://www.floridawest-safety.com/ The following items need to be include in the incident report (Cut and Paste these items to the Narrative block on the report form) : • Date and time of the incident (UTC) • Location • Aircraft altitude and heading • Laser color • Approximate bearing and distance of laser origin from aircraft • Cockpit illuminated? • Did the laser seem to track your aircraft or did it seem to be an “accidental” event • Any flight crew injuries or effects? • See the following pages for help in filling out the report • References: • ! – FAA Advisory Circular 70-2 LINK TO AC 70-2 • 2 – FAA PILOT INFORMATION BROCHURE LINK TO BROCHURE

4. HOW TO USE THE INCIDENT REPORT FORM FOR LASER INCIDENTS You do not need to fill out every block on this form, just the ones I have indicated Fill out any block on this form that is indicated in red You will need the 4 letter ICAO identifier to enter the departure and arrival airport You will need to enter duty time on and off Select “YES” fo NASA REPORT

5. Skip on down to here and check Laser Beam Exposure check box

6. Skip on down to here and check Flight Crew

7. Skip on down to here and check Flight Crew Check Inflight Put a check by anything that applies in the Reaction Section Add your narrative Date and time of the incident (UTC) Location Aircraft altitude and heading Laser color Approximate bearing and distance of laser origin from aircraft Cockpit illuminated? Did the laser seem to track your aircraft or did it seem to be an “accidental” event Any flight crew injuries or effects? Cut and paste the required report items into the narrative block and add your information. Add any other comments CLICK ON “SUBMIT” at the bottom of the page