What must occur following a laser strike event?

Following a laser strike event, a debriefing with the pilot is essential to ensure that all necessary information is communicated and documented. This debrief allows the pilot to discuss the event, assess any potential impacts on flight safety, and share details of the experience with the operations team. This step is vital for evaluating the situation, determining any effects on the crew's performance and the aircraft's operational status, and collecting evidence for reporting to authorities if necessary.

While informing air traffic control (ATC) about the incident is undoubtedly important, it is part of the broader protocol that includes a comprehensive debrief. The pilot's insights can provide critical context about the laser strike that ATC will need when managing other traffic and responding to safety concerns. Ultimately, the pilot debrief is a foundational part of the response protocol to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly addressed and documented.