Lamp – Light Source – Airport Lighting

1. Introduction

Airport lighting systems are crucial for safe and efficient aircraft movement, especially under low visibility or at night. At the heart of these systems are lamps and light sources—precision-engineered components that deliver regulated light output, color, and intensity, enabling pilots and ground crews to navigate complex airfield environments.

These lamps are not generic bulbs; they are designed to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, moisture, and UV exposure while providing exact photometric characteristics as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other regulatory authorities. The continued evolution from traditional tungsten halogen and xenon sources to sophisticated LED technologies has transformed the reliability, efficiency, and maintenance requirements of airport lighting.

This glossary page explains the core definitions, technology types, applications, and regulatory context for lamps and light sources in airport lighting, referencing ICAO Annex 14, FAA AC 150/5345, and industry best practices. It covers how these components are applied to runways, taxiways, approach systems, obstructions, and airfield signage, with attention to the latest trends in LED adoption.

2. Key Terms and Definitions

Lamp (Airfield/Airport Lamp)

A lamp is the replaceable, light-emitting component within an airport lighting fixture. Tailored for durability and precision, airfield lamps must comply with rigorous standards for luminous intensity, color, electrical compatibility, and operational life. They are classified by technology (tungsten halogen, LED, xenon), wattage, base type, and application (e.g., runway edge, taxiway centerline). The right lamp ensures reliable, consistent visual cues—vital for pilot orientation and safety, especially during low visibility or CAT II/III operations.

Light Source

The light source is the specific technological element generating visible light within a fixture—this could be a tungsten filament, an LED array, or a xenon flash tube. The choice of light source determines the fixture’s photometric output, color, beam pattern, and longevity. It must be compatible with the fixture’s optics and maintain regulatory compliance throughout its operational life.

Airport Lighting

Airport lighting refers to all visual guidance systems on an airfield, including runway and taxiway lights, approach systems, obstruction lights, beacons, and illuminated signage. Each system uses lamps and light sources engineered for the particular intensity, color, and beam shape required by international standards. The move to LED technologies is central to current trends in efficiency and sustainability.

3. Applications of Lamps and Light Sources in Airport Lighting

3.1 Runway Lighting

Runway Edge Lights

Runway edge lights mark the lateral limits of runways, crucial for takeoff, landing, and taxiing at night or in poor visibility. Edge lights are generally white, transitioning to yellow toward the runway end, and red at the physical end. They can be high-, medium-, or low-intensity, and may be elevated or inset. LEDs (e.g., FX862C) are increasingly standard, but tungsten halogen lamps remain in legacy systems.

Runway Centerline Lights

Inset in the runway, centerline lights provide continuous guidance for pilots, especially in CAT II/III conditions. They emit white light for most of the runway, alternating red and white near the end, and all red at the termination. High-power LEDs (such as FX850A) are now favored for their longevity and color stability.

Touchdown Zone (TDZ) Lights

TDZ lights delineate the intended touchdown area for arriving aircraft. These are inset pairs emitting white light, engineered for high reliability and resistance to aircraft loads. LEDs (e.g., FX850B) are now prevalent, though tungsten halogen alternatives are still used.

Runway Threshold and End Lights

Threshold lights are green, facing approach traffic, while end lights are red, facing departing traffic. Both may be elevated or inset, with LEDs (FX850D, FX862THA) now standard for new installations.

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)

REILs use synchronized flashing or steady white lights to mark runway ends, especially where approach lighting is absent. Xenon flash lamps are common for their high-intensity output, with LEDs emerging as replacements.

3.2 Taxiway Lighting

Taxiway Edge Lights

Blue lights installed along the edges of taxiways, aiding safe ground movement. LEDs are common for their precise color and efficiency, but tungsten halogen models remain in service.

Taxiway Centerline Lights

Inset, green-emitting lights guiding aircraft along taxiway centerlines—especially vital in low visibility. LEDs have largely replaced tungsten halogen for new projects.

3.3 Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)

Approach lighting extends from the runway threshold, using both steady and flashing high-intensity lights. Tungsten halogen and xenon lamps have been standard, with LEDs now in wide adoption for both steady and sequenced flash applications.

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) and Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)

PAPI and VASI systems use red and white lamps in precise arrays to indicate the correct glide slope. LEDs are increasingly replacing tungsten halogen sources for color fidelity and low maintenance.

3.4 Obstruction and Beacon Lighting

Obstruction Lights

Red or white lamps mark hazards around airfields, using high-output xenon flash lamps or LEDs for maximum visibility and reliability.

Airport Beacons

Rotating or flashing green and white lights identify airports at night or in poor weather. High-intensity LEDs are now commonly used for durability and low upkeep.

3.5 Guidance Sign Lighting

Illuminated guidance signs require even, glare-free lighting—historically from tungsten halogen lamps, but now dominated by LED solutions for efficiency and uniformity.

4. Lamp and Light Source Technologies

4.1 Tungsten Halogen Lamps

Tungsten halogen lamps use a tungsten filament in a halogen-filled quartz envelope. They offer bright, stable light, good color rendering, and resilience to vibration, making them suitable for both elevated and inset airport fixtures. Their simple replacement and regulatory approval make them common in legacy systems, though maintenance is more frequent than with LEDs.

4.2 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

LEDs are semiconductor devices offering instant-on, high energy efficiency, precise color rendering, and long service life (often 50,000+ hours). They allow for advanced dimming and reduced maintenance, making them the preferred light source for new and retrofit airport lighting applications. LEDs are highly durable, resistant to vibration, and environmentally friendly.

5. Regulatory Standards and Compliance

Airport lighting is governed by detailed standards, primarily ICAO Annex 14 and FAA Advisory Circulars (e.g., AC 150/5345 series). These specify lamp color, intensity, beam spread, installation, testing, and maintenance. Compliance ensures safety, visibility, and operational continuity under all weather and visibility conditions.

6. Maintenance and Inspection

Tungsten halogen lamps typically require replacement every 1,000–3,000 hours, while LEDs can last over 50,000 hours. All airfield lighting systems are subject to regular photometric testing, inspection, and cleaning to ensure they meet regulatory requirements for intensity, color, and uniformity.

7. Trends and Future Developments

LED adoption is the dominant trend, driven by sustainability goals, cost savings, and regulatory incentives. Future developments include smart lighting controls, wireless monitoring, and integration with advanced airfield management systems. Innovations in LED technology continue to improve efficiency, reliability, and photometric performance.

Summary

Lamps and light sources are the fundamental building blocks of airport lighting systems, directly impacting operational safety and efficiency. Ongoing advances in LED technology, rigorous maintenance, and strict adherence to international standards are essential for the future of airfield lighting.

For tailored solutions or expert advice on selecting and maintaining airport lighting lamps and sources, contact our team or schedule a demo today.