It is that time of year again – decorate the house inside and out with lots of lights. Well now at least the outside can be done with no ladders, tangled wires, or burnt out light bulbs, just use a laser light shower display – right? But there are some issues with this new way of decorating. While the displays are not against FAA regulations, there are some guidelines that should be followed for pilot and aircraft safety. Primarily, these projectors need to be pointed at your home so they do not shine into the sky and unknowingly shine into an aircraft.
Bangor International Airport Director Tony Caruso commented, “These new laser projectors are a quick and easy way to decorate your house. Just be sure you are pointing at your home and not into the sky where there is a chance of them shining into an aircraft. Knowingly shining a laser into an aircraft brings with it a $25,000 fine and possibly up to 20 years in prison. Enjoy the light show and have a happy holiday season by using these projectors properly.”
The laser lights are adjustable and can be moved up or down. Keep the lights at an angle low enough to make sure they don’t shine into an airplane pilot’s eyes. The projectors have instructions generally about how to safely setup your holiday display. As more Christmas laser light displays go up within the flight paths to the airport, there is a growing danger that accidentally a laser light will shine into a plane. Be responsible and check the light angles periodically just in case the angle originally set changes and the lights shine above your house.