 |
37000 Feet | Browse and search NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System |
|
A passenger turboprop pilot expressed concern about the distraction and effects on flight crew vision caused by the bright lights emanating from the huge lighted scoreboard at the soon to be opened major league football stadium just three miles from the far end of runways 30. The reporter likens the displays to laser events.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1183001 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201406 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0001-0600 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | SJC.Airport |
| State Reference | CA |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Light Transport High Wing 2 Turboprop Eng |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Initial Approach |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Not Flying |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types |
Narrative:
On approach to runway 30L in sjc we were distracted by a flashing light in the distance past the end of the runway. As we got closer we realized that it was a huge display board on a new stadium northwest of the airport. It was only displaying solid colors like red; blue; etc. It was almost impossible to ignore. I found myself looking away; but when it changed color or intensity; I would look back at it. Our approach was in daylight. I can't imagine what it would be like at night or once this display starts a more dynamic display. This was not well thought out; and is a huge safety problem. There is no way to ignore the display in VMC conditions. It could result in loss of separation with traffic to follow; or perhaps missing a runway assignment. The only way I could see this being allowed is to completely block the display from being seen from the southeast or facing it the other direction. However; if it is facing the northwest it will be an even bigger problem when traffic flow is from that direction. This display is in the same category as a laser event as far as distractions are concerned.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: A passenger turboprop pilot expressed concern about the distraction and effects on flight crew vision caused by the bright lights emanating from the huge lighted scoreboard at the soon to be opened major league football stadium just three miles from the far end of runways 30. The reporter likens the displays to laser events.
Narrative: On approach to Runway 30L in SJC we were distracted by a flashing light in the distance past the end of the runway. As we got closer we realized that it was a huge display board on a new stadium northwest of the airport. It was only displaying solid colors like RED; BLUE; etc. It was almost impossible to ignore. I found myself looking away; but when it changed color or intensity; I would look back at it. Our approach was in daylight. I can't imagine what it would be like at night or once this display starts a more dynamic display. This was not well thought out; and is a huge safety problem. There is no way to ignore the display in VMC conditions. It could result in loss of separation with traffic to follow; or perhaps missing a runway assignment. The only way I could see this being allowed is to completely block the display from being seen from the southeast or facing it the other direction. However; if it is facing the northwest it will be an even bigger problem when traffic flow is from that direction. This display is in the same category as a laser event as far as distractions are concerned.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.