Using pseudonomen137's Diameter Calculator for Laser Beams! and estimating a beam diameter of 1mm and a beam divergence of 1.2mrd will produce a spot size of 1201 mm or 3.94 feet. If this person thinks they'll see a beam shooting up into the sky they are mistaken using 50 mW to do this. Even in humid conditions they won't see much. Perhaps a diffused glow.
If I were this person and before I set about doing this experiment what I'd do is have someone shine the laser and have myself at 100 meters perpendicular to the beam to see how visible this beam is. If the beam is clearly visible proceed out another 100 meters.... This way you'll get a good idea of what could be expected.
Yes, I often wonder why people spend so much money too buy a laser just so they can burn something.