Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) plays a critical role in ensuring safe aircraft operations at airports, especially during low-visibility conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather. The sudden failure of AGL, as demonstrated at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru in June 2024, not only poses a clear and present danger to aircraft taxiing, taking off, or landing but can also cause widespread disruption. In Lima, more than 120 flights were cancelled or diverted as a result of the ground lighting failing. The control and monitoring of AGL is facilitated by Airport Lighting Control and Monitoring Systems (ALCMS) which are essential for the efficient and safe management of airport lighting infrastructure.
Ensuring Problems Are Quickly Identified And Resolved
ALCMS allows airport operators to control and monitor various Aeronautical Ground Lighting systems, including runway lighting, approach lighting, stop bars, apron lighting, and taxiway lighting. By providing real-time information about the status of these lights, ALCMS ensures that airport personnel, including flight controllers and maintenance teams, can quickly respond to any issues to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
The ability to remotely control and monitor lighting systems also minimises the need for staff to conduct physical inspections, saving time and reducing disruptions. Runways can remain open, instead of enforced closures being necessary to allow maintenance staff to access them.
Providing Visual Navigation For Pilots
AGL control and monitoring systems are indispensable for providing visual navigation to pilots, particularly in poor visibility weather conditions when tarmac markings may be difficult to see or obscured by standing water, fog, frost, or snow. Pilots rely on these lights to safely navigate the airport when taxiing, or when attempting to land or take off, so the failure of the lighting system can cause instant confusion and danger for aircraft both on the ground and in the air. The continuous monitoring of AGLs ensures that the lights are always correctly functioning, reducing the risk of accidents due to lighting failures.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
AGL monitoring systems also play a crucial role in ensuring that ground lighting meets the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Regular monitoring of lighting systems helps airports to remain compliant with regulations, which are designed to ensure safety and uniformity in airport operations worldwide.
Intelligent Lighting: The Future Of AGL
The introduction of intelligent lighting systems has further enhanced the capabilities of AGLs. They can automatically activate or deactivate ground lighting based on information from airfield surveillance and aircraft tracking systems. Intelligent lighting systems not only improve situational awareness but also reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Get In Touch For More Information
Ready to enhance your airport’s operational efficiency and safety? At Copperchase, we provide reliable solutions tailored for airports worldwide. Discover how our advanced monitoring systems for ground lighting can make a difference. Contact us today, and our team will be delighted to assist you!
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