Lasers & directed bright lights
Two rules: possession of hand-held lasers (601.19) and projection of bright light into airspace (601.20-.22).
| Rule | Ref | Prohibits | Limit / test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-held laser possession | CAR 601.19 | Possessing a laser rated greater than 1 mW | Within 10-km radius of geometric centre of an airport or heliport; listed Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver municipalities |
| Directed bright light | CAR 601.20 | Projecting a bright light into navigable airspace so as to create a hazard to aviation safety, or damage or injury | No altitude cutoff; test is the hazard, not the height |
| Legal projection | CAR 601.21 | Projecting without approval | Prior written authorization from the Minister |
| Pilot-in-command | CAR 601.22(1) | Intentionally flying into the beam, or into an area where one is projected | Unless operating under a Ministerial authorization |
Possession exemptions (CAR 601.19(2)):
| Exemption | Ref |
|---|---|
| Transport between place of purchase and a dwelling-house, or between dwelling-houses | CAR 601.19(2)(a) |
| Laser inside a dwelling-house | CAR 601.19(2)(b) |
| Legitimate use: occupational, educational, employment, astronomy | - |
Directed bright light covers lasers, searchlights, spotlights, image projectors (TC AIM GEN 5.1).
Trap: possession limit is 1 mW within 10 km (not 5 mW or 5 NM); ATC clearance or NOTAM is not permission to project, only the Minister's written authorization.
References
- CARs 601.19
- CARs 601.20
- CARs 601.21
- CARs 601.22
- TC AIM GEN 5.1