(1) As used in this section, "laser" means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam.
(2) A person shall not knowingly direct at an aircraft any light emitted from a laser device or any other source which is capable of interfering with the vision of a person operating the aircraft.
(3) This section shall not apply to:
(a) An authorized individual in the conduct of research and development or flight test operations conducted by an aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration, or any other person authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct such research and development or flight test operations; or (b) Members or elements of the United States Department of Defense or United States Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, testing, or training.