Airfield lighting standards in New Zealand are stringent, and must be followed to the letter. If you are in charge of an airfield or airport, this is one of your foremost responsibilities! Yet, regulations can become complex and intertwined over time. With the expertise of a reputable airfield lighting company in New Zealand, Up N Atom Electrical, make use of this concise guide to airfield lighting standards:
1. The Civil Aviation Rules of New Zealand
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is the regulatory body for airfield lighting standards, amongst others. You must be well-aware of their aviation rules if overseeing an airfield, and lighting requirements are outlined in The Civil Aviation Rule Part 91. For example, a runway must always be equipped with operable lighting appropriate to the aircraft landing or taking off, and the lighting must be activated during night operations.
2. The Types of Airfield Lighting You Need
There are different types of airfield lighting that must be installed at your airfield, that are well-lit and evenly-spaced. For example:
- Runway Lighting – Including runway edge lights, threshold lights and touchdown zone lights.
- Taxiway Lighting – Including centreline lights, lead-off lights and taxiway edge lights.
- Obstacle Lighting – Covers the installation of lighting on all potential hazardous structures, that could negatively impact an aircraft’s path. Includes, but is not limited to, towers, tall buildings and vehicles.
3. The Photometric Requirements of the Lighting
By photometric requirements, we refer to the light intensity and colour of the airfield lighting installed.
Across New Zealand, there are four different types of approach light systems used in airfields, with different light intensities. As an example, on precision approach runways, high intensity lighting is required with five stages of intensity control. Generally, two stage intensity lighting is the standard. These lights must be visible in a range of weather conditions, and be tailored to the aircraft at your airfield.
Specifically, we can see the different colour requirements of airfield lighting best in the different types of runway lighting that are used. Runway edge lighting is normally white, the threshold lighting is normally uni-directional green and extended to the full width of the runway, and the end lighting is normally uni-directional red.
This ensures a clear line of sight for pilots and their aircraft.
To implement compliant airfield lighting at your own airfield or airport, consult with an airfield lighting company in NZ that you can trust. We at Up N Atom Electrical are dedicated, experienced electricians who are easily reached through mobile, email, or our website.
