How can you ensure the reliability and safety of airport airfield lighting systems?

Airport airfield lighting systems are essential for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft during low-visibility conditions, such as night, fog, rain, or snow. They provide visual guidance and information to pilots and ground personnel, and help prevent collisions and runway incursions. However, these systems are also vulnerable to various risks, such as power failures, weather damage, vandalism, or human error. Therefore, airport managers need to ensure the reliability and safety of their airfield lighting systems by following some best practices and standards.

1 Conduct regular inspections

One of the most important tasks for airport managers is to conduct regular inspections of their airfield lighting systems, both visually and electronically. Visual inspections involve checking the physical condition, alignment, color, brightness, and cleanliness of the lights and signs, as well as the cables, connectors, transformers, and controllers. Electronic inspections involve testing the functionality, performance, and accuracy of the lights and signs, as well as the circuits, switches, indicators, and alarms. Airport managers should follow the inspection procedures and frequencies recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or other relevant authorities.

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Simon Kutibiwa

Director Flight Safety and Standards at Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority
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One thing I have found useful is to ensure at design stage of the airport, there are scalable aspects matching airport infrastructure such as facilities with respect to lighting, environmental control and other aspects critical to airport ecosystem; critical operational equipment such as airfield and runway lighting, electrical power requirements for air traffic control and air traffic safety equipment. The other aspects within the scalable feature is to match the electrical load factor for each scalable phase. Such action ensures the prioritization of the maintenance program in respect of critical tasks inclusive of inspections and their frequency, materials planning especially critical spares.

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Dené S.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT || WBENC CERTIFIED || MBE CERTIFIED || SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || MULTI MILLION P&L MANAGEMENT || CRISIS MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || SIX SIGMA (BLACK BELT)
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Implement a rigorous inspection schedule for all airfield lighting equipment. This includes visual inspections, functional checks, and maintenance routines as recommended by manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

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KARRI YASHASWI

MGR(CNS)/Safety Manager at AAI Tirupati Airport
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Regular joint inspections help to identify issues that are overlooked in daily inspections since personnel conducting daily inspection may due to certain constraints compromise on certain aspects which may be unsafe but does not hinder operations in short run

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2 Implement preventive maintenance

Another key task for airport managers is to implement preventive maintenance of their airfield lighting systems, which means taking proactive measures to prevent or reduce the likelihood of failures or malfunctions. Preventive maintenance includes cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, replacing, or repairing the components of the lighting systems, as well as monitoring their usage and condition. Airport managers should follow the maintenance schedules and guidelines provided by the manufacturers, suppliers, or contractors of the lighting systems, as well as the standards and regulations of the ICAO, the FAA, or other relevant authorities.

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3 Monitor and record incidents

A third essential task for airport managers is to monitor and record any incidents or anomalies that affect their airfield lighting systems, such as power outages, circuit breaks, light failures, sign errors, or interference. Monitoring and recording incidents help airport managers to identify the causes, effects, and solutions of the problems, as well as to evaluate the performance and reliability of the lighting systems. Airport managers should use appropriate tools and methods to monitor and record incidents, such as logbooks, reports, checklists, cameras, sensors, or software. They should also communicate and coordinate with the relevant stakeholders, such as pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance staff, or regulators.

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Dené S.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT || WBENC CERTIFIED || MBE CERTIFIED || SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || MULTI MILLION P&L MANAGEMENT || CRISIS MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || SIX SIGMA (BLACK BELT)
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Invest in monitoring systems to track the performance in real-time. This allows for early detection of any anomalies or malfunctions, enabling prompt corrective action.

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4 Train and educate staff

A fourth important task for airport managers is to train and educate their staff on the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of their airfield lighting systems. Training and education help staff to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform their duties effectively and efficiently, as well as to prevent or respond to emergencies. Airport managers should provide regular and updated training and education programs to their staff, covering topics such as lighting system components, functions, standards, procedures, risks, and mitigation measures. They should also assess and certify the competence and performance of their staff.

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Dené S.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT || WBENC CERTIFIED || MBE CERTIFIED || SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || MULTI MILLION P&L MANAGEMENT || CRISIS MANAGEMENT || PROCUREMENT || SIX SIGMA (BLACK BELT)
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Ensure that personnel responsible receive proper training and certification. This includes understanding the intricacies of the systems, troubleshooting common issues, and adhering to safety protocols.

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5 Upgrade and innovate systems

A fifth and final task for airport managers is to upgrade and innovate their airfield lighting systems, which means adopting new technologies, methods, or solutions that improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the lighting systems. Upgrading and innovating systems can help airport managers to reduce costs, enhance safety, increase capacity, and meet the changing needs and expectations of the customers and regulators. Airport managers should explore and evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of upgrading and innovating their lighting systems, such as using LED lights, solar power, wireless control, or remote monitoring.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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DIPANKAR BASU

Head Airport Operations - Eastern India at Air India Limited Tata
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Realign your power supply and have all sources, Utility, Solar and wind, installed & utilized. Check reliability of each along with network equipments.

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How can you ensure the reliability and safety of airport airfield lighting systems?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Conduct regular inspections

2 Implement preventive maintenance

3 Monitor and record incidents

4 Train and educate staff

5 Upgrade and innovate systems

6 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

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How can you ensure the reliability and safety of airport airfield lighting systems?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Conduct regular inspections

2 Implement preventive maintenance

3 Monitor and record incidents

4 Train and educate staff

5 Upgrade and innovate systems

6 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

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