Pilot Controlled Lighting On Sectional

Operation of approach and runway lighting may be adjusted at the pilot s discretion and is generally controlled by the air traffic control tower atct.

Pilot controlled lighting on sectional. At some locations where there is no control tower in operation the local flight service station fss may control the lights. In reality the approach lights should be amongst the brightest lighting visible on the ground but sometimes the street lighting can exceed these in intensity. Airport name associated city name high altitude u s. Airport identifier longest runway length to nearest 100 feet with 70 feet as the dividing point add 00 s indicates soft surface airport.

The control system consists of a 3 step control responsive to 7 5 and or 3 microphone clicks. Pilots may request and in some cases control lighting themselves. Other lighting systems including vasi reil and taxiway lights may be either controlled with the runway edge lights or controlled independently of the runway edge lights. Pilot controlled lighting part time or on request for complete information consult the airport facility directory.

The airport facility directory contains descriptions of pilot controlled lighting systems for each airport having other than faa approved systems and explains the type lights method of control and operating frequency in clear text. Pilot controlled lighting pcl systems are common at nontowered airports and towered airports in the wee hours after controllers have gone home. Pilot controlled lighting pcl also known as aircraft radio control of aerodrome lighting arcal or pilot activated lighting pal is a system that allows aircraft pilots to control the lighting of an airport or airfield s approach lights runway edge lights and taxiways via radio. Department of transportation federal aviation administration 800 independence avenue sw washington dc 20591 866 tell faa 866 835 5322.