Approach Lighting
Approach lighting systems (ALS) play a critical role in guiding aircraft safely to the runway, especially during low-visibility conditions like fog, rain and snow. These systems provide visual cues that help pilots align correctly with the runway as they approach landing.
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What is Approach Lighting and Why is so Important?
Approach lighting systems consist of a combination of rows of high-intensity lights and crossbars positioned on the extended centre line of the runway. The primary purpose of approach lighting is to provide pilots with alignment and roll visual guidance along with distance information to enable a safe approach to the runway.
Approach lights are essential for airport safety. They significantly reduce the chances of landing accidents, particularly in low-visibility weather conditions like fog, rain, or heavy snow. By providing clear guidance on the landing path, these lights help pilots make accurate decisions during this critical phase of flight.
Types of Approach Lighting Systems and Their Functions
Precision Approach Category I approach lighting patterns that have been commonly adopted are:
- Distance Coded Centre Line (Calvert): Consisting in a combination of centre line and cross bar high-intensity approach white lights extending over a distance of generally 900m from the runway threshold. Each centre line light position is generally spaced at longitudinal intervals of 30m (CAT I) and the cross bars of lights arranged at 300m, 450m, 650m 750m from the threshold.
- Barrette Centre Line: Consisting of a 4m-wide row of high-intensity approach white lights spaced at longitudinal intervals of 30m (CAT I) over a distance of 900m from the threshold. The layout is complemented with a 30m wide cross bar located at a distance of 300m from the threshold. Centre line barrettes are supplemented with a sequence flashing light (SFL), flashing twice per second towards the threshold.
The approach lighting pattern on Precision Approach Category II/III (CAT II/III) systems is supplemented on the inner 300m from the threshold by centre line barrettes and a crossbar located at 150m with high-intensity approach white lights and side row barrettes with high-intensity approach red side-row lights.
Technology Behind Modern Approach Lighting Systems
Even if the approach lighting is still available in Tungsten Halogen type, the use of more conspicuous and energy-efficient LED systems has been progressively implemented during the last decade, becoming the first choice among the principal Airports worldwide. LED systems have also a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent maintenance in difficult airfield areas, especially when the elevated lights are installed on high approach masts.
Sequenced flashing lights, often referred to as “running rabbit” lights are a critical part of high-intensity approach lighting systems. These lights flash in a sequenced pattern that creates a “rabbit light” effect, leading pilots directly toward the runway threshold. This effect is particularly useful in low visibility, as it draws attention to the landing path. The design of the electrical circuit allows the SFL system to be operated independently of the other steady High Approach Lighting System lights.
Regulatory Standards
Applicable Standard requirements for Approach Lighting Systems are defined in EASA CS ADR-DSN.M.625 and 5.3.4 of the ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I.
AES Airport Solutions as your Approach Lighting Supplier
Approach lighting systems are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, guiding pilots during the most crucial moments of landing. At AES Airport Solutions, we can provide complete approach lighting systems with a full range of reliable Airsafe High Intensity elevated and inset lights in both LED and Halogen technologies, as well as our state-of-the-art LED Sequence Flashing Lighting System (SFL) which offers an ultra-short flash duration of only 5.5ms in full compliance with by FAA E-2628b.
A complete solution including light-weight, safe and strong frangible aluminium pole and lattice high approach masts is also available in our catalogue. Approach masts solutions are designed to be configurable and easily adaptable to particularities or special customer requests.
AES Airport Solutions has a track record of successfully installing approach lighting systems at airports around Europe, like Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, Milas-Bodrum Airport and Hamburg Airport. Partnering with AES Airport Solutions for your approach lighting needs means investing in the highest quality, innovation, and reliability.
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