What is the purpose of airfield ground lighting? In short, to illuminate an airport at night and in other conditions where the airport’s visibility would be perilously low without AGL lighting.
This lighting can be sorted into various categories, many examples of which are detailed below. However,
exactly what makes the following types of AGL lighting vital can differ between them.
Approach Lighting
This is basically intended to help pilots see the approach of the airport’s runway. As a result, these pilots can make sure their aircraft are suitably positioned for landing.
Many approach lights are attached to masts in a line and ‘blink’ in rapid succession, creating a shining white line for the pilot to follow towards the runway.
Approach lights can also include PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicators). These lights will appear either white or red to the pilot, depending on the angle from which they view them. Pilots are trained in using PAPI lighting as a guide on how to achieve the correct glide path.
Runway Lighting
As the term ‘runway lighting’ suggests, this type of AGL lighting is meant to outline the runway. Lights are usually sourced in white for marking the edge, while green and red lights are reserved for — respectively— the start (‘threshold’) and end of the runway.
White is also chosen for lights placed in the centre of a runway, where they can assist the pilot in ensuring that their airplane, as it moves on the runway, remains centrally located on it.
Apron Lighting
This AGL lighting comes into play when the aircraft is at rest. You have to remember that, even when it is sitting on the airport’s apron, the airplane can remain heavily used — such as when it is cleaned and refuelled, passengers board and disembark from it and cargo is transferred to or from it.
A well-let apron area enables ground staff to complete their duties there more safely and effectively. Also, any luggage, animals and personnel entering this area but not permitted to be there can be spotted and taken away from it as soon as possible.
At airfield sites across East Auckland and South Auckland, we can install, repair and maintain AGL lighting to exacting standards. Aerodrome owners can even trust us with implementing cost-efficient LED and solar-powered lighting. For further details, please ring us on 021 0240 3992.
