Airfield Lighting and Maintenance Flashcards

What is the minimum required electrical reliability for runway lighting at a Part 139 certificated airport serving air carrier operations?

Answer: 99%

FAA standards require 99% system reliability for primary airfield lighting circuits at certificated airports.

An airport maintenance technician notices several runway edge lights are out on an active runway. What is the FIRST action?

Answer: NOTAM the condition and notify ATC

Inoperative airfield lighting must be NOTAMed and ATC notified immediately to protect aircraft operations.

What type of lamp is most commonly used in modern LED airfield lighting compared to older incandescent systems?

Answer: LED (Light Emitting Diode)

LED lamps are now standard in modern airfield lighting due to their long life, low energy use, and consistent output.

What does the term 'intensity step' refer to in airfield lighting control systems?

Answer: A selectable output level of a Constant Current Regulator

Intensity steps (typically 1–5) on a CCR allow ATC to adjust lighting brightness based on visibility conditions.

Which airfield lighting component must be installed in a way that it 'frangible' — meaning it breaks away on impact?

Answer: Airfield light bases and fixtures

FAA requires airfield light fixtures and bases to be frangible so aircraft impacts do not cause structural damage to the aircraft.

In a series circuit lighting system, what happens to the current if additional lamps are added to the circuit?

Answer: Current remains constant — the CCR adjusts voltage

The CCR maintains constant current regardless of circuit load changes, adjusting voltage automatically.

Which FAA document must an airport operator follow for installing new airfield lighting systems under a federal grant?

Answer: FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-30

AC 150/5340-30 is the design and installation standard required for federally funded airport lighting projects.