Military pilot reports on the potential threat to aviators of new commercially available high power lasers.

Narrative

This is a general laser warning for the aviation community. First; I am aware that the U.S. aviation community has a laser threat reporting system to National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) that I am already well aware of; but this warning goes out to pilots to ensure U.S. aviators are updated about new portable lasers with power to cause permanent retinal burns (permanent blindness) that are being sold in the open market around the world. 5 mW is the U.S. legal limit for laser pointers; we crossed a threshold when these portable lasers went over 500 mW; which is enough power to set paper on fire; pop balloons; and cause potential burn-in on wood. These lasers will be viewed as 'cool' and that is a problem because they will gain popularity as recreational devices; not just as pointers for government approved astronomy purposes. Sources of these lasers include Foreign-based retailers online; and its affiliates; and online auction sites. Currently the 500 mW to 600 mW models sell for approximately $1500 to $2500 but the cost is both coming down and the available power is ever increasing. These portable lasers are lithium battery powered and the size of a small flashlight; making them easily moved to any location. In some parts of the world; the locals take joy in moving to remote locations and using their lasers; especially in places with some dust content (think Middle East) where the laser beam line is very visible through its entire effective range. It is only a matter of time before these newer lasers are propagated more throughout the world. Some may accidentally sparkle civilian and military aircraft; while other nefarious individuals could use these new lasers as blinding weapons against aircraft; vehicles; or large crowds from what could be perceived as a safe distance. We cannot use the same logic as we do with terrorists and AK-47s or self-carried bombs -- the range of lasers enables their use as a weapon from a great distance and raises the chance the terrorist/criminal could escape capture/arrest. This warning is not sent because of events in Iraq; but rather as a warning of the threat we face worldwide both now and into our future.