AOPA Online - AOPA's position on laser light shows AOPA's position on laser light shows Years of direct involvement in this issue point to the inevitable conclusion that, laser light shows and airport environments do not mix. For example, Las Vegas, Nevada had a laser light show problem that quickly grew from a few isolated displays to an unmanageable number. This is not an isolated problem. The circumstances of the laser encounters ranged from various levels of crewmember annoyance to startle and flash blindness.
Laser light shows that encroach on airports have a serious impact on safety.
The RIGS were developed in agreement with the Society of Automotive Engineers Laser Hazards Committee, the FDA, the Department of Defense, aviation interest groups, and the laser industry. These RIGS will be incorporated into FAA Order 7400.2D, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters. The RIGS state, in part, that laser projections in proximity to airports are of primary concern. The RIGS establish airspace zones that are defined as laser free, critical, sensitive and high visual cockpit workload areas. The Bader Field laser light show falls within the laser free zone and for this reason, AOPA is opposed to this laser location.