A laser strike can cause visual interference and impact on task performance during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Laser illumination in a cockpit induces an involuntary reaction that diverts the crews’ attention away from their primary tasks. This startle effect may cause distraction, disruption, disorientation or in the worst case temporary operational incapacitation due to flash blindness. The impact level depends on the characteristics and circumstances of the laser illumination.

​

When a laser beam hits an aircraft windshield, tiny scratches and dirt on the windshield create a glare effect which spreads the light across the pilot’s field of vision. Pilots do not see this light as a small beam or dot; they experience a large glow which can be difficult to see through. A laser beam becomes wider over long distances and may grow to a few inches or even a few feet in diameter. The laser glare can cause considerable distraction or temporary flash blindness to a pilot during a critical phase of flight, such as landing or takeoff. Most laser glares occur during the approach phase of a plane’s descent.

​

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UK Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Canada Civil Aviation laser strikes on commercial aircraft have risen over the last 10 years and handheld laser pointers are increasing in power and decreasing in price. Handheld lasers have become 45 times more powerful during this same time over 90 percent of these incidents reported are green lasers, which the human eye is the most sensitive to. Below are three images from a FAA simulator that shows the light distraction to a pilot.