Lighting & Visual Aids
Operations at airports
without operating control towers require the highest degree of vigilance
on the part of pilots to see and avoid aircraft while operating to or from
such airports. Pilots should stay alert at all times, anticipate the
unexpected, use the published CTAF frequency, and follow recommended
airport advisory practices. These
systems are intended to aid the pilot in locating the airport environment.
Precision
Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs)
A PAPI is a system of
lights that provide visual descent guidance information during the
approach to a runway. This system provides a visual glide path that allows
for safe obstruction clearance from the start of descent to the threshold.
Both Runway 9 and Runway 27 will be equipped with 2-box PAPIs in the near
future.
Runway
End Identifier Lights
REILs
are installed at many airfields to provide rapid and positive
identification of the approach end of a particular runway. They are
effective for: a. Identification of a runway surrounded by a
preponderance of other lighting; b. Identification of a runway
which lacks contrast with surrounding terrain; and c. Identification
of a runway during reduced visibility. These lights consist of a pair of
synchronized flashing lights located on each side of the runway threshold
facing the approach area. Runway 9 is equipped with REILs and Runway 27
will be equipped with REILs in the near future.
Runway
Edge Lights
Runway edge lights are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of
darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These light systems are classified
according to the intensity or brightness they are capable of producing: they are
the High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL), Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL),
and the Low Intensity Runway Lights (LIRL).
Runway 9-27 at Horizon Lakes Airport
is equipped with MIRLs. In addition, the Airport is equipped with runway
threshold lights at each runway end.
Taxiway
Edge Lights
Taxiway edge lights are used to
outline the edges of taxiways. Similar to runway edge lights, these light
systems are classified according to the intensity of light they are capable of
producing. Limited quantities of MITLs have been installed at Horizon Lakes
Airport to delineate the main taxiway.
Control
of Airport Lighting Systems
The Horizon Lakes Airport does
not have an operating control tower. Therefore, radio control of lighting
is provided via airborne control of lights by keying the aircraft’s
microphone. This eliminates the need for pilots to change frequencies to turn
the lights on and allows a continuous listening watch on a single frequency. At
Horizon Lakes Airport, the MIRLs can be activated using the designated Common
Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), 123.0. At this airport, the CTAF is a UNICOM
frequency.
Pilot
Control Lighting Operating Procedures
Runway
Lights:
The
runway lights are controlled by a photo eye and via the CATF by “clicking”
the microphone.
|
Radio
Control System For Runway & Taxiway Lights
|
|
Key
Mike
|
Function
|
|
5
times within 5 seconds
|
Turns
runway & taxiway lights on
|
NOTE:
At any time in the sequence the pilot has the option of sending a signal to
command the lighting. The solid state timer will continue to operate for 15
minutes after which it will cause the system to revert to the original “off”
condition. The timer is reset by the receipt of any command at anytime,
reinitiating the 15 minute “run” cycle. A
photo eye keeps the runway and taxiway lights from operating during the day.
Airport
(Rotating) Beacon
The airport beacon is used to aid
pilots in locating the airport using a rotating green and white light. The ten
(10) inch airport beacon at the Airport is located north of the runway. A photo
eye controls the rotating beacon. It operates from dusk until dawn and may come
on during periods of heavy overcast.
Wind Cone and Segmented Circle
The lighted wind cone and
segmented circle is used to aid pilots in determining takeoff and landing
information at an airport. Horizon Lakes Airport’s lighted wind cone and
segmented circle is located to the south of Runway 9-27 and is in good working
condition.
|
