10-2-14

Unauthorized Laser Illumination of Aircraft

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

When a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, broadcast on all appropriate frequencies a general caution warning every five minutes for 20 minutes following the last report.
Phraseology

UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION EVENT, (location), (altitude).
Terminal facilities must include reported unauthorized laser illumination events on the ATIS broadcast for one hour following the last report. Include the time, location, altitude, color, and direction of the laser as reported by the pilot.
Note

All personnel can expect aircrews to regard lasers as an inflight emergency and may take evasive action to avoid laser illumination. Additionally, other aircraft may request clearance to avoid the area.

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-9-3, Content.
FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 2-1-30, Reporting Unauthorized Laser Illumination of Aircraft.