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Pilot Control of Airport Lighting Systems

Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Flight Service Station (FSS) usually have control of the runway lighting systems at airports. However, at some airports the lighting can be controlled directly by the pilot while in flight. If the airport facilities are unmanned, the pilot can use the VHF COM radio to remotely turn on and adjust the lights for a safe landing.

To use the lighting system, the pilot selects the designated frequency on the VHF COM radio and prompts the lights by clicking the switch on the microphone a particular number of times. Typically, depressing the microphone switch seven times within five seconds turns the lighting on to maximum brightness. Clicking the switch five more times brings the lights down to medium brightness and three additional clicks will dim them to minimal levels. The lighting will stay on for 15 minutes. Upon arrival, if the runway lights have previously been turned on by another pilot, it's a good idea to reactivate them to guarantee a full 15 minutes for approach and landing.