It’s been open for more than a year. In fewer than five months it will host the Super Bowl. Now, for the first time, complaints are emerging about a potential safety hazard created by Levi’s Stadium.
According to NBC Bay Area, the stadium lights and video board can distract pilots landing at San Jose Mineta International Airport. Per the report, pilots have made complaints about the lights on at least six occasions.
The complaints have accused the lights of being “blinding” to the point of “incapacitating,” causing headaches, requiring the use of instruments to land the plane, and potentially creating “flicker vertigo” for pilots. One pilot argued that a sign on the top of the stadium could be mistaken for a portion of an airport runway in bad weather.
The FAA has not yet required an adjustment of the lights or any other changes. FAA public affairs manager Ian Gregor contends that most of the reports were generated when the scoreboard was being calibrated, which made it brighter than it is when in operation. According to the report, complaints have been made after the stadium was open for use.
“We have a great appreciation for the FAA and have worked with them to establish protocols and guidelines in the event the boards need to be recalibrated,” the 49ers said in a statement issued to NBC Bay Area. “Our top priority is always to maintain the highest level of safety and security for all guests visiting Levi’s Stadium as well as the general public.”
It’s odd that no one realized the potential concerns when the stadium was in the planning phases. Regardless of where the blame, if any, should be placed for that failure, it’s important to objectively assess the situation and to make changes in order to avoid a worst-case scenario.
