I own several (each size) of the Greatland laser rescue flares and have had the opportunity to use them in training with the Maryland State Police Medivac Helicopters. One limitation we found is the user must be in line of sight with the helicopter, unlike a conventional aerial flare that can be used through the tree line to catch the attention of the crew.

The current models, while sending out a line pattern of laser light that appears to be a line from the users advantage point, is only seen as a point of laser light by the "attractee" (helicopter). In a few of our test runs, we the ground crew could not clearly identify the actual/relative location of the helicopter and therefore did not know where to aim the laser.

I know the green lasers were not perused for retail sales, which would have provided more options. I have seen their prototype green laser set up in a large hand held flashlight configuration and was quite impressed with the intensity of the line, but the cost and general weight of the light makes it prohibitive for most.

Still great products.

Pete