It was a pleasant evening. Four miles from my tower cab, an air-ambulance helicopter was speeding back to his hospital with a critical patient on board. I saw his nav lights in the distance.
ATC to the Rescue
As a pilot you most certainly know that just about everything in aviation has a checklist. We controllers have our own checklists for a multitude of hazardous situations, unauthorized laser illumination included. I pulled up the appropriate checklist while the helo maneuvered.
Key Takeaways:
- Unauthorized laser illuminations and drone operations are growing aviation hazards that directly threaten flight safety and pilot visibility.
- Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) follow strict protocols during such incidents, warning other aircraft, documenting details, and reporting to law enforcement and federal agencies like the Domestic Events Network (DEN).
- Both intentional and accidental endangerment of aircraft by lasers or drones can lead to significant federal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for those responsible.
- Pilots play a critical role in maintaining safety by reporting all laser or drone encounters to ATC, providing essential information for investigation and risk mitigation.
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