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Aiming a Laser at an Aircraft
     is a Federal Offence

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.

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, permission from Transport Canada is required. ACCESS PERMISSION FORM HERE.

The area outlined in red in the image to the right identifies a 10km radius around Southport CYPG. Possession of a handheld laser is illegal within the area outlined in red.

Southport Laser Safety Map
Laser Safety Penalties

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 provided by Transport Canada:

Use Hand-Held Lasers Legally and Safely
Where Hand-Held Lasers Over 1 Milliwatt Are Prohibited

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