Do laser pointers present an aviation hazard?

The security issues of distracting aircrew during takeoff and landing posed by visible green laser beams and the need for proper training and situational awareness to reduce startle and distraction from visual effects are discussed. Unexpected illumination, even from noncoherent sources such as conventional searchlights is capable of generating visual distractions in aircraft cockpits. Aviators who have been frequentely illuminated have learned to maintain aircraft control, not to stare into a laser beam and to limit any direct viewing of the laser. Class 3A laser products termed as Class 3R laser products have an ouput-power emission between 1 and 5mW and provides protection against injury.