§ 240.76 Directing a laser at an aircraft in the second degree
PL § 240.76
§ 240.76 Directing a laser at an aircraft in the second degree.
A person is guilty of directing a laser at an aircraft in the second degree when, with intent to disrupt safe air travel, he or she directs the beam of a laser:
1.onto a specific aircraft intending to thereby disrupt or interfere with such aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; or
2.in the immediate vicinity of an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, and:
(a)the calculated or measured beam irradiance on the aircraft, or in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft, exceeds limits set by the FAA for the FAA-specified laser flight zone (normal, sensitive, critical, or laser-free) where the aircraft was located; and (b) a pilot in the illuminated aircraft files a laser incident report with the FAA.
3.As used in this section:
(b)the term "FAA" shall mean the Federal Aviation Administration.
4.This section does not prohibit directing a laser beam at an aircraft, or in the immediate vicinity of an aircraft, by:
(c)an individual in an emergency situation using a laser to attract the attention of an aircraft for bona fide rescue purposes; or
(d)an individual whose laser operations have been submitted to and reviewed by the FAA, when:
(i)the FAA has issued a letter not objecting to the laser use; and
(ii)the laser is operated in conformity with the FAA submission.
Directing a laser at an aircraft is a class A misdemeanor.
