Laser Safety
Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal offence. It is illegal to possess a handheld laser over 1 milliwatt (MW) in public areas within a 10km radius of any airport and certified heliport.
 |
||
| The area outlined in red identifies a 10km radius around Southport CYPG. Possession of a handheld laser is illegal within the area outlined in red. |
A laser is not a toy! Aiming a laser at an aircraft can:
- Distract a pilot
- Create glare that affects the pilot’s vision
- Temporarily blind a pilot
Simply put, lasers put the pilot, crew, passengers and people on the ground at risk of injury. If you plan on aiming a laser into navigable airspace for the purpose of astronomy or laser light shows, you must get permission from Transport Canada – permission form can be found here.
Penalties
If you are caught with a handheld laser over 1MW in a prohibited area, there could be a monetary penalty under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
If you are caught intentionally pointing a laser at an aircraft, you will be charged under the Aeronautics Act and could face a monetary penalty and jail time.
If you observe someone pointing a laser at an aircraft or into airspace, report it immediately to your local RCMP.
Please click the links below for additional information:
- Use Hand Held-Lasers Legally and Safely (Transport Canada)
- Where Hand-Held Lasers Over 1 Milliwatt Are Prohibited (Transport Canada)
