The laser threat to aviation depends on several factors. Power and range, naturally, but also how dark-adapted the pilots eyes are at the moment, the frequency (color) of the laser and the atmospherics (transmission/absorption).
So, when a human eye is completely dark-adapted, it's fully dilated and sensitive. So, it's most vulnerable at that point. Green lasers do up to 35 times the damage of red lasers, because if the eyes' sensitivity to that color when dark adapted.
There are different levels of threat.
Eye hazard (permanent damage) - obviously a concern.*
Flash Blindness (temporary loss of vision). - also a big deal.*
Glare/disruptions - can't see for the time the laser is on the airplane*
Distraction - the bright flash/light takes your eyes off where they should be, and might cause problems
Nuisance - can see it, but it doesn't impede the ability to fly.
For a 5mw laser - the distances, on a dark night, are about 50 feet hazard, 250 feet flash blindness, 1/4 mile for glare, and about 2 miles for distraction. So, even though "safe" a low powered laser pointer can permanently damage an eye at short range if it's green and the eye is dark adapted. Nail guns are "safe" too, and I own several, but I don't point them at people...
* Can't see means can't fly the airplane. Good chance of crashing because you can't see the controls, the radios, and the autopilot functions to engage them. Sure, I can push the autopilot engage switch, but, um, where is it going to go? That requires programming, which requires vision.
For 500mw lasers (still legal to own) the distances are considerable: 500 feet hazard (permanent blindness, again, this is serious), 1/2 mile flash blindness, 2 1/2 miles glare/disruption, and up to 25 miles for distraction.
A very serious threat.
And I don't think an $11,000 fine is sufficient for punishment for the deliberate attempt to blind someone and cause the potential deaths of hundreds of people. I would be in favor of hanging up the perpetrator and letting either the blinded pilot, or the family and friends of the dead passengers, treat him like a piñata- sure, the pilot can't see, but he could still swing a bludgeon...
As far as your Christmas lasers? I don't know the power, but you should be conservative/cautious around them. Pointing lasers at your house at night strikes me as foolish...and if your near an airport, potentially criminal...
