[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 157 (Monday, August 14, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49624-49625]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20586]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Advisory Circular on Outdoor Laser Operations

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed advisory circular.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invites public 
comment on a draft Advisory Circular (AC) that provides guidance for 
proponents interested in conducting outdoor laser operations that may 
affect operators in the navigable airspace.

DATES: Comment must be received on or before September 28, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposed AC to the FAA, Manager, 
Airspace and Rules Division, ATA-400, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 
423, Washington, DC 20591. Comments may also be submitted 
electronically to the following email address: [email protected].

[[Page 49625]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bil Nelson at the above address, 
telephone (202) 267-8783, facsimile (202) 267-9328, or e-mail to: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

How Do I Obtain A Copy of the Proposed AC?

    You may obtain a copy of the AC by contacting the person named 
above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

How Do I Submit Comments on the AC?

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed AC 
material by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments can be mailed to the above address or by 
electronic method [email protected]. Comments must identify the title of 
the AC and be submitted in duplicate to the address specified above. 
The FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comment before making a final determination in regard to AC 
material.

Background

    In November 1995, in response to safety concerns from National 
Airspace System (NAS) users, the FAA initiated actions to address the 
potential effect of laser emissions (light beams) on aircraft 
operations in the NAS.
    One of the actions taken by the FAA was to solicit assistance from 
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulatory oversight agency 
for performance standards for laser equipment and operations. In 
addition, the FAA tasked and received recommendations from the Flight 
Deck Laser Hazards Safety Committee of the Society of Automobile 
Engineers (SAE-G10t).
    One of the outcomes of the above effort is the subject draft AC. 
The draft AC reflects the FAA's use of information and recommendations 
from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (a component of the 
FDA) and the SAEG10t to further develop policy and establish guidance 
regarding the protection of aircraft operations from the potential 
impact of laser activity.
    The AC provides information for those proponents planning to 
conduct lasers operations that may affect aircraft operations in the 
navigable airspace. The AC explains who should file a notice of a laser 
event, why notification to the FAA is necessary, how to notify the FAA 
of the laser operation, as well as what action the FAA will take to 
respond to such notifications.
    Additionally, the AC explains what type of information is needed by 
the FAA to make an appropriate determination regarding proposed outdoor 
laser operations.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 8, 2000.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 00-20586 Filed 8-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P