Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Physiological - Other
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Climbing out from MIA runway 09 on a 090 heading at approximately 3 to 4 DME I looked left/north and was struck in the eyes by a very powerful and bright green laser. I was temporarily dazzled and experienced momentary severe eye pain before looking away. The laser appeared to be coming from a position about two miles north of our flight path. I reported the laser strike to MIA ATC. A few minutes later as we continued the climb and turned west; we could still see the laser in operation. Having been struck by lasers before in San Paulo and Mexico City; I can attest that the Miami laser was extremely powerful and damaging compared to prior incidents. As Captain and pilot monitoring I contemplated declaring an emergency and returning to base due to my eye pain. As we climbed through 10;000 ft I elected to continue as it appeared the impact of the laser strike in my eyes was momentary. When I return to base; I will be making an appointment with a retina specialist to examine my eyes as the intensity of the laser and associated momentary eye pain was severe.
An air carrier Captain climbing out from MIA Runway 9 headed east reported a green laser strike which caused severe pain. The laser appeared to originate about 2 miles north of the airport.