Laser attack

CAA Safety files

Laser attacks on aircraft remain a serious safety risk for all pilots and flight crew, but for air ambulance services these incidents can also delay vital medical treatment reaching patients.

We speak with crew from Yorkshire Air Ambulance who share their experiences of laser attacks, including a recent incident where a crew member suffered an eye injury from a laser beam.

This episode covers safety guidance for pilots, flight crew and operational staff and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) explains why it is important for UK airspace users to report laser incidents as a crime.

Related information:

• Laser exposure self-assessment tool (ALESA)

(For pilots, flight crew or air-traffic controllers who have been exposed to lasers)

Guidance for UK airspace users on how to report a laser incident

As covered in this episode, if you are a pilot, flight crew, air traffic or other operational staff who has experienced a laser incident, please report it, both to the UK CAA using the link below and to your local police force.

• Make a report to the UK Civil Aviation Authority

Featured in this episode:

• The National Police Air Service (NPAS)
• Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The image for this episode shows Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Pilot, Owen McTeggart who features in the podcast.