Laser emissions which may endanger the safety of aircraft - Draft Advisory Circular 139.E-03 v1.0

Overview

We would like your feedback on a draft advisory circular (AC) that provides advice on protecting pilots of civil aircraft from accidental laser emissions.  

With laser light displays becoming more common, it is important that pilots are protected against accidental laser beam strikes. Lasers and high-intensity lights, like sky trackers, pose a serious risk to pilots that can result in difficulties flying and impaired vision.

Draft AC 139.E-03 v1.0 - Laser emissions which may endanger the safety of aircraft, should be used in the planning and control of advertising, entertainment, and similar visual displays using lasers. However, it is unlikely to prevent wilful or malicious laser attacks against aircraft.

It provides guidance on the establishment of protected areas to mitigate the risk of laser emissions impacting on aircraft operations. The guidance also provides information to laser show operators on how to conduct evaluation of laser hazards.

The draft AC provides guidance on:

• hazards associated with laser emissions
• mitigating the risk of laser emissions
• establishing protected flight areas
• evaluating laser emission hazards
• notifying pilots of laser emission hazards.

It will be of interest to:

• pilots
• aerodrome operators
• operators of laser shows
• air traffic controllers.

Why your views matter

We recognise the valuable contribution that community and industry consultation make to the regulatory development process. Your feedback will increase our understanding of your needs and whether the draft AC provides adequate guidance on laser emission hazards.

As this is the first major rewrite of guidance relating to laser emissions, we are seeking feedback as to whether:

• the content of the AC clearly identifies the hazards associated with laser emissions and establishing protected areas
• the content and structure of the guidance is clear and sufficient for laser light show operators.

A copy of the draft AC is provided below with specific details appearing on the designated page of the survey.

Related Documents

All documents related to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Draft AC 139.E-03 v1.0
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

Please submit your comments on the draft AC through the Consultation Hub using the survey provided. If you are unable to provide feedback this way, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

Please read the draft AC document before providing your feedback.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

Feedback that improves the guidance will be incorporated into the final guidance.