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Duration of the ATIS laser caution broadcast

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 34 of 36 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K4e · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA laser illumination event is reported to an air traffic facility at 0215Z. Until what time will the caution warning be carried on the ATIS?

  1. A0315Z, one hour after the report
  2. B0235Z, twenty minutes after the report
  3. C0220Z, five minutes after the report
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 0315Z, one hour after the report

  • A — correct When a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, the caution warning is broadcast on the ATIS for one hour following the report, so a 0215Z report is carried until 0315Z.
  • B — incorrect Twenty minutes is how long the general caution warning is repeated on all appropriate frequencies, not how long the ATIS carries it. The ATIS period is longer.
  • C — incorrect Five minutes is the interval between repeats of the general caution warning on the appropriate frequencies, not the total length of any broadcast period.

BACKGROUND

Aeronautical Information Manual paragraph 7-6-13 addresses laser operations and the reporting of laser illumination of aircraft. Outdoor laser light shows and unauthorized laser illuminations can create temporary vision impairment miles from the source and can also produce permanent eye damage. Pilots should report laser illumination activity to the controlling air traffic control facility, a Federal Contract Tower or a Flight Service Station as soon as possible after the event, giving the date and time in coordinated universal time, the call sign or registration number, the type of aircraft, the nearest major city, the altitude, the location of the event, and a brief description. When a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, a general caution warning is broadcast on all appropriate frequencies every five minutes for twenty minutes, and it is broadcast on the Automatic Terminal Information Service for one hour following the report. Pilots are also encouraged to complete the FAA Laser Beam Exposure Questionnaire after landing.

STUDY TIP

Keep the two time figures separate: five minutes apart for twenty minutes on frequency, one hour on ATIS. Practice adding the interval to a coordinated universal time so the arithmetic is automatic.

KEY POINTS

  • Report laser illumination to ATC, a Federal Contract Tower or Flight Service as soon as possible after the event.
  • A general caution warning is broadcast every five minutes for twenty minutes on appropriate frequencies.
  • The same caution is carried on the ATIS for one hour after the report.

SOURCES

  • AIM 7-6-13 "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (Laser) Operations and Reporting Illumination of Aircraft"
  • sources/aim/aim_7-6_potential_flight_hazards.txt
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MORE ON AIRSPACE / OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.