What is airfield lighting zoning?
The airfield is divided by area into approach, runway, taxiway and apron zones, so each can be switched, dimmed or closed on its own.
Airfield lighting zoning is the division of the airfield into lighting zones by area: the approach, the runway, the taxiway segments and the apron. Each zone is something the controller treats as one unit, which can be switched on, dimmed, monitored or closed without affecting the others.
In the diagram, the approach and runway zones are lit for the runway in use, the west taxiway zone has its route lit, and the east taxiway zone is closed for works with its lights off and fixed red barrier lights across its entrances. The aircraft in the diagram lands, rolls out and follows the lit green route. Zones come from the layout and operations, while circuit zones come from the electrical design. The two are planned together so that each lighting zone maps onto one or more series circuits and CCRs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is airfield lighting zoning?
Dividing the airfield into lighting zones by area, such as the approach, runway, taxiway segments and apron, so that each zone can be switched, dimmed, monitored and closed on its own.
Q2How is it different from AGL circuit zones?
Circuit zones are set by the electrical design: which lights share a series circuit and a CCR. Lighting zones are set by the layout and operations: which areas the controller needs to treat separately. The two are planned together, so each lighting zone maps onto one or more circuits.
Q3Why is the airfield zoned this way?
It lets the controller light the approach and runway in use, light only the taxiway segments that make up a route, dim the apron separately from the runway, and switch off a closed area while work goes on, without touching the rest of the airfield.
Q4What happens to the lights in a closed zone?
They are normally switched off, except for maintenance, and the area is marked as unserviceable or closed. Unserviceability markers and fixed red lights are placed across the entrances that can be reached from a lit surface. The exact rules for closed runways and taxiways, and for lighting that is needed during maintenance, are set by the aviation authority.
See It. Understand It. Then Learn How to Engineer It.
Recognising an AGL system visually is the first step. The next step is knowing how to design, install, test, commission and maintain them correctly.
Build Practical AGL Engineering Skills
Go deeper with structured training from Precision AGL Academy, covering:
Learn how each light, sign and circuit works as part of a complete airport lighting system, not just as an isolated diagram.