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The Potential Impact of Laser Pointers on Aviation Safety

Author

Listed:
  • Wojciech Wawrzyński

    (Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Mariusz Zieja

    (Air Force Institute of Technology, 01-494 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Justyna Tomaszewska

    (Military University of Aviation, 08-521 Deblin, Poland)

  • Mariusz Michalski

    (Military University of Aviation, 08-521 Deblin, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Kamiński

    (Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Dawid Wabik

    (Military University of Aviation, 08-521 Deblin, Poland)

Abstract

Introduction: Although aviation is considered the safest mode of transportation, the annual number of pilots blinded by laser light cannot be understated. An analysis of the available statistics indicates that it is a widespread phenomenon. The stories told by the pilots show the consequences of these incidents, ranging from temporary sight loss to months of vision problems. The article also describes the current penalties for dazzling a pilot by laser light. Moreover, limited research has been conducted on the intensity of laser light of different wavelengths passing through the fairing and through standard glasses used by pilots. Understanding the effects of laser glare on pilots can help reduce adverse events and improve the ability of safety managers to develop safety procedures. Correctly designed transport systems enable effective route planning and order processing. Methods: Two types of easily available laser pointers, drawn at different distances from the aircraft, were analyzed and the intensity of the transmitted light was examined. Results: The results showed that the intensity decreases with distance and that the intensity is too low to harm the eye. In addition, it should not be forgotten that the light propagates in a cone which strengthens the illumination effect in the cabin and causes pilots to lose orientation. Practical application of the findings: They enable the identification of areas around the airport where the use of lasers should be prohibited. Practical Application : The possibility of determining the transition of laser light through the windscreen of the aircraft as well as its intensity under near real-life conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wojciech Wawrzyński & Mariusz Zieja & Justyna Tomaszewska & Mariusz Michalski & Grzegorz Kamiński & Dawid Wabik, 2022. "The Potential Impact of Laser Pointers on Aviation Safety," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:17:p:6226-:d:898699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francesco Leccese & Viola Vandelanotte & Giacomo Salvadori & Michele Rocca, 2015. "Blue Light Hazard and Risk Group Classification of 8 W LED Tubes, Replacing Fluorescent Tubes, through Optical Radiation Measurements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(10), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Michał Szymański & Anna Kozłowska & Jens Tomm & Roman Huk & Andrzej Maląg & Marian Rusek, 2021. "From Two- to Three-Dimensional Model of Heat Flow in Edge-Emitting Laser: Theory, Experiment and Numerical Tools," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Yang, Qiaoli & Qiao, Zheng & Yang, Bo & Shi, Zhongke, 2021. "Modeling and uncovering the passenger–taxi dynamic queues at taxi station with multiple boarding points using a Markovian environment," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 572(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Jules Yimga, 2023. "Laser exposure incidents and aviation safety in the United States: should we be concerned?," Journal of Transportation Security, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 1-22, December.

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