How does the pilot switch the lights on?
A radio call from the aircraft turns the heliport lights on, and a timer turns them off again.
With pilot-controlled lighting, the pilot switches the heliport lights on from the air by keying the aircraft radio on a set frequency. A receiver at the heliport decodes the signal and a controller switches the lighting circuit, so no one needs to be on site.
A timer keeps the lights on for a set period and then switches them off, and the pilot can key again to extend it. The lights are therefore off when not needed, which saves energy and keeps light off the neighbours, but are ready at any hour. A local or manual switch is normally kept as a backup.
Pilot switches the lights by radio. Suits unattended and hospital heliports.
Someone on site, or a remote operator, switches the lights on and off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is pilot-controlled heliport lighting?
A system that lets the pilot switch the heliport lights on from the air using the aircraft's radio. No one needs to be at the heliport, and the lights are available at any hour.
Q2How does the pilot switch the lights on?
By keying the microphone on a set radio frequency a set number of times. A receiver at the heliport decodes the signal and a controller switches the lighting circuit. Where there are several brightness settings, the number of keyings usually selects the one wanted. The exact code depends on the system, so confirm it for the site.
Q3How long do the lights stay on?
A timer holds them on for a set period and then switches them off. Many systems use a period of around 15 minutes, and the pilot can key again to extend it. Confirm the setting in the project specification.
Q4Why use it?
It suits unattended and hospital heliports. The lights are off when no one is flying, which saves energy and keeps light off the neighbours, but they come on when needed, at any hour, without a call to a duty person.
Q5What if the radio control fails?
A local or manual switch is normally provided as well, so the lights can still be turned on without the radio. Some designs also let the lights default on. Confirm the fail-safe arrangement in the design.
Q6Which standards apply?
ICAO Annex 14 Volume II covers heliport lighting. Radio control equipment is covered by national specifications, such as the FAA specification for radio control equipment, AC 150/5345-49 (L-854). Codes, timers and frequencies differ between them, so confirm against the standard in force and the project specification.
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