Tips and training for pilots
“Recognize and recover” procedures
All pilots should know how to recognize and recover from a laser incident. This is especially important for helicopter pilots, who often fly low and slow. Fortunately, the procedures are relatively simple. We have listed these procedures on our page How to reduce incident severity: For pilots.
Pilot protective eyewear
In addition, you may wish to consider having protective eyewear (anti-laser glasses) available for situations where laser activity is taking place. The page Protective eyewear for pilots discusses this further.
Training programs
If you are looking for a more formal training program, Night Flight Concepts has an online computer-based training resource. According to the company, “the Laser Eye Protection Program helps aircraft operators to teach aircrew members the capabilities, limitations and preventative measures required to respond to a laser strike. The program addresses the need for education about laser strikes and covers mitigation techniques most effective in the public safety sector of aviation.” A PDF brochure on the laser training program is available. The cost is $125; the course takes about an hour and has a test at the end.
What to do if you have been exposed to laser light
First, report the incident. See the information on the page How to reduce incident severity: For pilots. Then, read the information on the page If you are hit by a laser. One of the key documents listed on that page is a Laser Injury Guidebook produced by the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. It is intended specifically for pilots and flight surgeons needing to evaluate a laser exposure.