Tips for Managing Runway Lighting Systems

Managing runway lighting systems is a crucial part of keeping airport operations smooth and safe. Whether you're overseeing a major international airport or a smaller regional airstrip, well-maintained lighting plays a vital role in pilot visibility, aircraft safety, and efficient flight movement. One of the most helpful tools in this area is the pilot controlled lighting system, which gives pilots the ability to activate runway lights remotely using their aircraft radios—especially important at airports without round-the-clock control towers.

Modern lighting management isn’t just about flipping a switch. It's about ensuring reliability, meeting strict aviation regulations, optimizing energy use, and staying prepared for changing weather or unexpected night operations. Below are practical tips to help airport managers and maintenance teams stay on top of their lighting systems.

Understand Your System Inside and Out

The first step to managing any system is understanding how it works. Runway lighting includes multiple components—edge lights, threshold lights, approach lights, and taxiway lighting. These are connected to a central control system, which can be manual, automatic, or remote-based.

If your facility uses a pilot controlled lighting system, you should know how the mic-click activation works, the frequency it operates on, how brightness levels are set (low, medium, high), and how the system resets after a period of inactivity (usually around 15 minutes). Having this baseline knowledge makes it easier to troubleshoot issues or upgrade equipment.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Runway lighting systems are exposed to weather, heat, cold, and debris. Regular inspection should be a top priority to prevent unexpected failures. Create a checklist that includes:

• Checking light bulbs or LEDs for function and brightness

• Ensuring that wiring is secure and not corroded

• Cleaning lenses for maximum visibility

• Verifying that control panels respond correctly

• Testing backup power systems like generators or batteries

Set a monthly or quarterly schedule depending on airport traffic. Early detection of wear and tear can prevent serious problems later.

Monitor Usage and Adjust Accordingly

Not all runways are used equally. A smart tip is to review flight patterns and peak hours to determine when lighting is most needed. Some modern systems include data-tracking features that show how often lights are turned on, at what brightness, and for how long.

For example, if your pilot controlled lighting system is rarely used during a specific time frame, you may want to adjust the default brightness or time-out duration. This saves energy and extends the lifespan of the equipment. You can also use this data to predict maintenance needs more accurately.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

LED lighting has become the new standard in runway illumination for good reason. LEDs are energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and provide better visibility compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. If you haven’t upgraded yet, it's worth considering a full or phased switch to LED systems.

Also, use lighting control systems that allow for automatic dimming or brightness adjustment based on weather, time of day, or flight schedules. Energy-saving doesn’t just cut costs—it also supports sustainability goals.

Have a Backup Plan for Power Outages

Airports can’t afford blackouts. Runway lights must stay on, even if the main power source fails. That’s why backup systems—like diesel generators, battery backups, or solar-powered units—are essential.

Test these systems regularly. Make sure they kick in instantly and power the full lighting setup as needed. In smaller airports, portable emergency lighting can also serve as a temporary backup in case the main system fails.

Stay Compliant with Aviation Standards

All lighting systems must follow rules set by aviation authorities like the FAA or ICAO. This includes light intensity, color, spacing, and operation during various conditions. If you're planning upgrades or changes, make sure your design and components meet these requirements.

Regular audits, either internal or third-party, help keep your system compliant and can even reveal opportunities for efficiency improvements. Staying up to code is not only about safety—it also protects you from costly penalties or project delays.

Train Staff and Keep Documentation

Even the best systems can fail if the staff isn’t trained properly. Everyone from technicians to on-call emergency teams should know how the lighting system works, how to activate/deactivate it, and how to troubleshoot basic issues.

It’s also important to document every part of your lighting infrastructure. Keep records of maintenance schedules, system manuals, upgrade history, and incident logs. Digital records with cloud backup are the best way to make sure nothing is lost.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Smart systems and IoT (Internet of Things) tools are transforming how runway lighting is managed. You can now monitor lighting remotely, receive alerts if something fails, and even control systems from mobile apps. These solutions are especially helpful for smaller airports or airfields where staff may not always be on-site.

Pairing remote management tools with a pilot controlled lighting system can give airports 24/7 functionality with minimal staff involvement. Some systems even integrate with weather forecasts or aircraft tracking to predict when lighting will be needed next.

Cleanliness Makes a Difference

It might seem minor, but dirt, snow, or plant growth can reduce the visibility and effectiveness of runway lights. Make it part of your regular routine to clean lenses, clear weeds, and shovel snow from lighting fixtures—especially during seasonal weather shifts.

This simple task can significantly improve brightness and extend the life of the lights, saving you from replacing parts sooner than necessary.

Plan for Future Expansion

Even if your current setup works well, planning ahead is smart. Consider how future traffic growth, weather changes, or technology upgrades might affect your lighting system. Could you add more automation? Would it be worth expanding your pilot controlled lighting system to additional runways or taxiways?

Build a long-term strategy that includes budget, tech reviews, and potential expansion points. A well-planned system today will save time and money down the road.

Final Thoughts

Managing runway lighting systems isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about building a smarter, safer, and more efficient airport. From regular checks and energy efficiency to staff training and smart tools, every detail plays a role in how well your system performs.

With solutions like the pilot controlled lighting system, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance, you can keep your lights on when they’re needed most—ensuring smooth landings, safe takeoffs, and satisfied pilots.