![]() ![]() The pilot can also turn off runway identification lights with type K by keying the mic three times as long as the lights are connected to the ARCAL systems.įor both the J and K systems, the 15-minute countdown will start after activation. ![]() Again, the pilot should do this within five seconds. Keying three times turns the lights to low, five times turns them to medium, and seven times turns them to high. On the other hand, type K requires seven clicks within five seconds.Īside from having more button clicks, what differentiates the type K system from the type J is that it allows the pilot to adjust the light intensity with the mic. With the type J system, the pilot needs to key the mic five times within five seconds to activate the lights. What Types of Airport Runway Lights Can Pilots Control?Ī pilot can control one of two ARCAL systems: type J or type K. While these are operated by air traffic controllers, in some smaller airfields, pilots can operate them using the same radio system. They can also activate the Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). The pilot could, for instance, control the following: As long as they use the same radio frequencies and connect to a PCL system, it will work. Technically, a pilot can use the same radio frequency and mic-keying to operate other systems. With the PCL, pilots can also change the lighting intensity, which is especially crucial during low visibility conditions. After all, the cost of keeping the lights on every night can quickly add up.Īdditionally, airport lights are a significant source of light pollution for nearby residents, so only activating the runway lighting system when the pilot needs them is cost-efficient. One of the main perks of this system, aside from allowing the pilot to control the lights independently, is how much energy it can save. Changing the lighting intensity resets it as well. The pilot only needs to click the mic again to restart the timer. Two minutes before the 15-minute timer expires, the system will flash the airport lights to warn the pilot that time is running out. Once the lights are on, they remain lit for 15 minutes, enough time for the pilot to make the landing. In some cases, they can also adjust the light intensity using the same mic-clicking process. ![]() Depending on the system used, the pilot will have to click five to seven times within five seconds to activate the airport lighting system. However, some airports also provide a different one for their ARCAL systems.Īfter tuning into these frequencies, the pilot will click their push-to-talk button, which allows them to connect to the radio receiver at the airport. Also known as Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting (ARCAL), these systems work by monitoring a specific radiofrequency UNICOM (Universal Communications). Pilot-Controlled Lighting (PCL) systems are standard at airfields where traffic controllers are unavailable. What Types of Airport Runway Lights Can Pilots Control?. ![]()
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