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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main airfield lighting compliance requirements in New Zealand (incl. Auckland aerodromes)?
In New Zealand, airfield lighting must meet strict standards regarding intensity, colour, and placement to ensure pilot safety. The core requirements focus on the reliability of the Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) system, including the secondary power supply and constant current regulators (CCRs).
Which Civil Aviation Rules apply to runway and aerodrome lighting in NZ?
The primary regulation governing these systems is CAA NZ Rule Part 139, which dictates the certification and operation of aerodromes. This rule incorporates the technical specifications found in Advisory Circulars (AC139-6) and aligns with international standards set by the ICAO Annex 14. These rules cover everything from the design and installation of lighting circuits to the mandatory maintenance intervals required for continued certification.
What does airfield lighting compliance mean in practice for NZ operators?
For NZ airport operators, compliance is an ongoing process of monitoring and documentation. In practice, this involves:
- Routine Inspections: Regularly checking for lamp failures or lens damage.
- Performance Testing: Measuring insulation resistance to detect cable degradation early.
- Photometric Testing: Verifying that the light output meets the required intensity levels.
- Detailed Record Keeping: Maintaining a complete audit trail of all repairs, tests, and maintenance activities for CAA inspections.
What are common compliance mistakes NZ airfields make with lighting and documentation?
One frequent mistake is allowing documentation to fall behind, which can lead to issues during a CAA audit even if the physical lights are working. Other common errors include neglecting insulation resistance (IR) testing on secondary cables and failing to maintain the correct vertical alignment of PAPI units. Ensuring that your maintenance logbooks are accurate and that all technical reports are filed correctly is just as important as the physical repairs themselves.
Do lighting standards differ for regional airstrips vs larger airports in NZ?
Yes, the complexity of the lighting requirements is generally scaled based on the type of aircraft operations and the category of the runway. While a large international hub like Auckland requires sophisticated approach lighting and centre-line systems, a smaller regional airstrip may only require basic runway edge and threshold lighting. However, the fundamental safety and electrical standards for the equipment used remain consistent across all certified NZ aerodromes.
What is apron lighting, and what standards typically apply (NZ/Auckland)?
Apron lighting refers to the floodlighting used in aircraft parking areas, loading bays, and refuelling zones. The standards focus on providing adequate illumination for ground crew safety and security without causing glare for pilots or air traffic controllers. In Auckland and elsewhere in NZ, these systems must comply with AS/NZS standards for outdoor lighting while also meeting specific ICAO requirements for spill light and beam control in airport environments.
Who can help Auckland/NZ aerodromes assess and upgrade lighting to meet standards?
Up n’ Atom Electrical provides expert assessment and upgrade services for aerodromes throughout the Auckland region and New Zealand. Our team of registered electricians specialises in aviation services, offering full compliance audits, fault finding, and system modernisations. We help airport managers transition to LED technology and ensure all installations meet the latest CAA NZ and ICAO requirements for aeronautical ground lighting.
