FAA Airfield Lighting

Advisory Circulars (AC) Updates

32nd Annual Airport Conference

Hershey, PA
March 3-5, 2009

Tom Mai
FAA, Airport Engineering Division
Email: Thomas.Mai@faa.gov
Tel. 202-267-8754
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Outline

• AC’s Updated in FY 2008

• Draft ACs in FY 2009
• LED’s Technologies & Applications

Federal Aviation
Administration
 AIRPORTS ORGANIZATION

ARP-1

AAS-1 APP-1 ACO-1

AAS-100 AAS-300

Federal Aviation
Administration
Airport Engineering Division (AAS-100)

Manager
Rick Marinelli

Airfield Pavement Airport Airport Cooperative

Lighting Design Research Program
Design
Robert
Alvin Jeff Paul
BONANNI
LOGAN RAPOL FRIEDMAN
Ken
Richard Rodney JACOBS
SMITH JOEL (Vacant) George
LEGARRETA
Thomas
MAI E.C.
HUNNICUTT
Henry Federal Aviation
Administration
FELICES
 Mission
• Responsible for airport engineering standards for
configuration, design, equipment, and operations
criteria at civil airports.

• Also responsible for construction and maintenance of

airport-grant-funded airside and landside airport
facilities, including airport lighting and other visual
aids, as well as Airport Safety Data Program.

Federal Aviation
Administration
AC’s Updates

Federal Aviation
Administration
FY 2008 Signed Advisory Circulars

Federal Aviation
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FY 2008 Signed AC’s

Federal Aviation
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AIRFIELD LIGHTING AC’S UPDATED
IN FY2008
• AC 150/5340-1J, Standards for Airport Markings
(Changes 1 & 2).
• AC 150/5340-18E, Standards for Airport Sign Systems
• AC 150/5340-30D, Design and Installation Details for
Airport Visual Aids.
• AC 150/5345-26D, FAA Specification for L-823, Plug
and Receptacle, Cable Connections.
• AC 150/5345-44H, Specification for Runway and
Taxiway Signs.
• Engineering Brief (EB) No. 76, Use of Solar Power for
Airport Obstruction Lighting.

Federal Aviation
Administration
AC 150/5340-1J, STANDARDS
FOR AIRPORT MARKINGS

CHANGE 2

Federal Aviation
Administration
 5340-1J CHANGE 2 (6/6/08)
• Change 2 to 150/5340-1J (6/6/2008) clarifies
the requirements for ETCLM, ERHPM, &
SPHPS at Part 139 airports previously
addressed in Change 1; and modify certain
compliance dates for airports located in the
areas that receive snow or ice storms.
• Include enhance surface painted markings:
– Enhanced Taxiway Centerline Marking (ETCLM)
– Extended Runway Holding Position Marking
(ERHPM)– Onto the paved shoulder
– Surface Painted Holding Position Sign (SPHPS)
• Time Sensitive Actions
Federal Aviation
Administration
TAXIWAY CENTERLINE MARKING
Configuration and Color

FILLET

12
12
 Note 1: Regardless of
6 – 12”
whether the taxiway
9’
(15 – 30 cm)

See Notes 1 and 2 centerline is 6 or 12

3” (7.62 cm) 3’ inches wide, the dashed
lines provided by the
enhancements will always
150’ some be 6 inches in width.
exceptions
6” (15.24 cm) 6” (15.24 cm)

Note 2: The taxiway

6’ centerline might have to
be shifted either right or
left so the enhancement
does not go over a
taxiway centerline light.

Enhanced Taxiway Centerline

Markings 13
 ENHANCED
TAXIWAY CENTERLINE MARKING
 Completed by
6/30/08 for
Part 139
airports
with annual
enplanements
of 1.5 million

14
14
 Enhanced Taxiway Centerline Marking

The enhanced taxiway centerline marking begins 150ft prior to all holding
position markings and consists of a yellow dashed line on either side
15 of
the taxiway centerline. The dashes are 9 feet long with 3 foot gaps. 15
 Enhanced Taxiway Centerline Marking

The dashed portion of the enhanced taxiway centerline marking is 616

inches wide even if the taxiway centerline is 12 inches wide.
150/5340-1J, Chg 2, Par 21e(3)(i) – If the taxiway centerline to be
enhanced continues through a taxiway/taxiway intersection that is
located within 150 feet of a runway holding position marking, the taxiway
centerline enhancement must be terminated 5 feet prior to the point
where the other taxiway centerline crosses the enhanced taxiway
centerline.

Where the ETCL marking is 150 or less on turns, the

marking terminates at the Point of Tangency from the
parallel taxiway centerline as shown in Figure C-7.
17
17
RUNWAY HOLDING POSITION MARKING
ON TAXIWAYS
Configuration and Color
4 lines and
Dashes and
3 spaces at
spaces 3' in
12" each
length

3'

6" - 12"
Aircraft holding
side 18
18
 RUNWAY HOLDING POSITION
MARKING ON TAXIWAYS
 Location depends on ARC
and approach procedure

See table See table

for required for required
distances distances

19
19
 Extended Runway Holding Position Marking

The extended holding position marking extends 62.5 feet from the taxiway
centerline, for a total width of 125 feet.
20
Required completion by June 30, 2008 20
 Extended Runway Holding Position Marking

Marking standards in 150/5340-1J require the extended holding position

marking at airports that have regular service by aircraft in Aircraft Design
21
Groups 5 and 6 (MD-11, A-330, A-340, A-380, B-747 and B-777). 21
 Extended Runway Holding Position Marking

The extended holding position marking extends onto the paved shoulders
at holding positions used by Group 5 and 6 aircraft. Other holding
positions not used by Group 5/6 aircraft are not required to have the
22
extended holding position marking. 22
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs (SPHPS)
Change 2 to 150/5340-1J clarifies that surface painted holding
position signs are required at all Part 139 airports with multiple
runways.

Surface painted holding position signs will be required at 23all

entrances to runways from taxiways by December 31, 2010. 23
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

Surface painted holding position signs are located both to the left and to
the right of the taxiway centerline, however, if the taxiway centerline is
less than 45 feet from the left and right edge of the taxiway and holding
24
position sign is in clear view, the SPHPS on the right side may be omitted.24
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

Here is an example of where only one SPHPS is required on the left side
of the taxiway centerline where the taxiway centerline is less than 45 feet
from the edges of the taxiway. The second SPHPS on the right side of the
taxiway centerline in this situation is highly recommended at 25
intersections used by aircraft requiring a two person crew. 25
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

If the enhanced taxiway centerline does not extend the full 150 feet due to
the close proximity of the parallel taxiway, SPHPS are required on both
sides of the taxiway centerline, even if the taxiway centerline is less26than
45 feet from the edges of the taxiway. 26
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

Change 2 requires several SPHPS at hold positions over 200 feet wide. At
these locations, place one SPHPS left of the taxiway centerline and 27place
additional SPHPS every 100 feet (left or right) from the taxiway centerline.
 SPHPS -
Perpendicular case

Figure C-4 in Change 2

of the marking AC
shows the dimensions
28
and location of SPHPS.
 Non-Perpendicular case

At locations where the taxiway centerline is not perpendicular to the

holding position marking, the 3-10 foot distance from the taxiway 29
centerline is measured from the nearest corner of the SPHPS. 29
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

The height of the inscriptions on SPHPS must be 12 feet. The height

30 can
only be reduced where necessary to fit on narrow taxiways. 30
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs
SPHPS are normally installed parallel to the holding position marking.

Corrected During an
AIP Project

31
31
AC 150/5340-1J, Change 2, Par 26b(4) states, If two or more taxiway
centerlines intersect the runway holding position marking or intersect
each other within 15 feet of the runway holding position, there might not
be enough space for two or more surface painted holding position signs.
These locations will require individual assessment for applying surface
painted holding position signs that take into account such factors as taxi
route usage rate and space.

There is not enough room for a

SPHPS on the left side of this
taxiway centerline so it is
located to the left of the other 32
centerline. 32
 Surface Painted Holding Position Signs

The black outline is

not necessary.

AC 150/5340-1J, Chg 2, Standards for Airport Markings, Par 26c, states,

“The black “border” around the white alphanumerics required on the
actual mandatory holding position sign is not necessary on the surface
33
painted holding position signs.” 33
 5340-1J, Change 2 Compliance Date
Part 139 airports (A) ETCLM ERHPM SPHPS
(airports serve
ADG V&VI
only)
A>1.5M passenger 06/30/08 06/30/08 12/31/10
enplanements

370K <A<1.5M passenger 12/31/09 06/30/08 12/31/10

enplanements

All remaining airports 12/31/10 06/30/08 12/31/10

All non-Part 139 airports that build new infrastructures with AIP/PFC
34
funds must comply with the standards.
 AC 150/5340-18E
STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT SIGN
SYSTEMS

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Major Changes in AC 150/5340-18E

• Revised drawings, clarifications on some

configurations, canted signs
• General updates in an effort to bring a harmony
(consistent) with Airport Design AC and other
sign and marking related AC's
• Incorporated some of the SAM’s
• Removed location distance requirements for
holding position signs and referred them to a
Change 13 in Airport Design AC 150/5300-13.
• Roadway Yield signs
Federal Aviation
Administration
Old Drawing in -18D

Federal Aviation
Administration 37
New Drawing in -18E

Federal Aviation
Administration
Location/Boundary Signs in-18D

Federal Aviation
Administration
LOCATION SIGNS in -18E

Yellow letters on black background

A 15
Taxiway Runway
Location Location
Sign Sign
Federal Aviation
Administration 40
BOUNDARY SIGNS in -18E
RSA / OFZ / ILS / POFZ

Runway safety area/OFZ boundary sign

and runway approach area boundary sign

ILS critical area/POFZ boundary sign

Federal Aviation
Administration 41
 VEHICLE ROADWAY SIGNS in -18E

- Stop sign is located where vehicle roadways intersect runways or

taxiways Federal Aviation
Administration 42
- Stop or Yield signs at taxiways
 INFORMATION SIGNS

Lighting is optional

Federal Aviation
Administration 43
One-Half Distance Remaining Sign

• Used in the take-off

direction on unpaved
runways less than 3000 ft
• Identify the point on
runway where ½ the take-
off distance remains.
• Must not used in
combination with runway
distance remaining signs.

Federal Aviation
Administration
RUNWAY ONE-HALF DISTANCE
REMAINING SIGN
 Runway midpoint +/- 30'
 10' to 15' from runway edge
 Left side of most-used
runway direction for take-off
operations

Federal Aviation
Administration 45
 Runway Holding Position Signs

2
A1

A
A1 A

A1 20 - 2 A 2

 A1
A
A

Runway hold position signs at the take off end of the runway will normally
46
only have the designation of that end of the runway.
Holding position signs are required on both sides of holding positions
where the holding position sign would be difficult to see when
approaching the holding position. Figure 5 in AC 150/5340-18E.

47
 New in -18E

• The new Fig. is updated

to clarify about “canted”
sign.
• The holding position sign
on the left side of the twy
that would be difficult for
the pilot to see. The
addition of a canted sign
on the right side of the
taxiway to improve the
visibility.

Federal Aviation
Administration
Holding position signs may be installed on both sides of the taxiway at
some locations with the location signs installed outboard of the holding
position signs. These locations include wide taxiways and non-typical
layouts.

Location Sign Location Sign

B1 15R - 33L 15R - 33L B1

15R - 33L 15R - 33L

Taxiway
B1
Some airports may have holding position signs installed on both sides
49 of
a taxiway as a runway incursion prevention measure at hotspot locations.
Where holding positions are over 150’, holding position signs are
required on both sides of the taxiway.

Over 200’

B1 33L 33L B1

33L 33L

Holding
Bay

50
 S1

Typically located
250’-280’ from
runway centerline

S1 33R

33R 33R

The holding position is installed at a distance from the runway centerline

51
in accordance with AC 150/5300-13, Change 13, Table 2-1 & 2-2.
AC 150/5300-13, Change 13, Table 2-1

52
AC 150/5300-13, Change 13, Table 2-2

53
Inbound Destination Signs

 APRON

MIL 
CARGO 
FBO
Federal Aviation
Administration
 AC 150/5340-30D
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
DETAILS FOR AIRPORT VISUAL AIDS

Federal Aviation
Administration
56
 Principal Changes in AC 5340-30D
• Enhanced/revised various drawings throughout document
• Introduced a new airport beacon tower type, a tip-down pole
tower
• Updated on Wind Cones to include: clarification on types of
wind cones, i.e., supplemental (L-806) & primary (L-807);
wind cone requirement criteria to be consistent with Title 14
CFR Part 139; new siting criteria for L-806.
• New paragraph 2.1.3,Stopway Edge Lights, is added
• Incorporated RWSL installation criteria as Appx 7

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Changes in 150/5340-30D
• Enhanced/revised various drawings throughout document
• Introduced a new tower type, a tip-down pole tower
• Updates on Wind Cones to include: clarification on types of
wind cones, i.e., supplemental (L-806) & primary (L-807);
wind cone requirement criteria to be consistent with Title 14
CFR Part 139; new siting criteria for L-806.
• New paragraph 2.1.3,Stopway Edge Lights, is added
• Incorporated RWSL installation criteria as Appx 7

Federal Aviation
Administration
Tip-down pole tower

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Changes in 150/5340-30D
• Enhanced/revised various drawings throughout document
• Introduced a new tower type, a tip-down pole tower
• Updated on Wind Cones to include: clarification on
types of wind cones, i.e., supplemental (L-806) &
primary (L-807); wind cone requirement criteria to be
consistent with Title 14 CFR Part 139; new siting criteria
for L-806.
• New paragraph 2.1.3,Stopway Edge Lights, is added
• Incorporated RWSL installation criteria as Appx 7

Federal Aviation
Administration
 SECTION 139.323(a)

 Provide and maintain a wind cone

 For each runway available for air carrier
use, a supplemental wind cone must
be installed
 At the end of the runway, or
 At least at one point visible to the pilot
on final approach and prior to takeoff
Federal Aviation
Administration 61
 SECTION 139.323(a)

 Wind direction indicators, including

supplemental indicators, must be
lighted if the airport is open for air
carrier operations at night

Federal Aviation
Administration 62
Federal Aviation
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Federal Aviation
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Federal Aviation
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L-806 Location

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External Illumination

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Internal Illumination

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Changes in 150/5340-30D
• Enhanced/revised various drawings throughout document
• Introduced a new tower type, a tip-down pole tower
• Updates on Wind Cones to include: clarification on types of
wind cones, i.e., supplemental (L-806) & primary (L-807);
wind cone requirement criteria to be consistent with Title 14
CFR Part 139; new siting criteria for L-806.
• New paragraph 2.1.3,Stopway Edge Lights, is added
• Incorporated RWSL installation criteria as Appx 7

Federal Aviation
Administration
STOPWAY EDGE LIGHTS 1

Federal Aviation
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STOPWAY EDGE LIGHTS 2

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Changes in 150/5340-30D
• Enhanced/revised various drawings throughout document
• Introduced a new tower type, a tip-down pole tower
• Updates on Wind Cones to include: clarification on types of
wind cones, i.e., supplemental (L-806) & primary (L-807);
wind cone requirement criteria to be consistent with Title 14
CFR Part 139; new siting criteria for L-806.
• New paragraph 2.1.3,Stopway Edge Lights, is added
• Incorporated RWSL installation criteria as Appx 7

Federal Aviation
Administration
 RWSL

• The addition of Appendix 7 was to add some

basic information about RWSL that is specific
to airports.
• Basic RWSL installation requirements &
information so an airport would understand the
system basics.
• RWSL is FAA owned and operated system.

Federal Aviation
Administration
TAXIWAY CENTERLINE
LIGHTS ISSUES

Federal Aviation
Administration
LOW VISIBILITY TAXIWAY LIGHTING
 Consists of
 Taxiway CL lights
 Stop bars
 Runway guard lights (RGLs)
 Clearance bars
 Recommended for airports with
air carrier operations below 1200 RVR
Federal Aviation
Administration 75
 TXW CL LIGHTING COLORS
 Normally green
 Alternating green and yellow when

 “Lead-off lights”
 Taxiway CL crossing a runway

Federal Aviation
Administration 76
 TYPICAL TAXIWAY CL LIGHTING CONFIGURATION

75'
400' 75'
75' 6 SPACES AT 26.1
100'
37.5' TAXIWAY 75'/6000'
37.5'
100'
20 SPACES AT 100'

RUNWAY 150'/6000
72.73' 72.73'
72.73' 72.73'
72.73' 72.73' 75'
100' 100' 75'

100'
9 SPACES 100' 75'
AT 26.1' 3 SPACES AT 26.1'
100'

90.0'
94.5' 94.0' 90.0' 94.0'
6 SPACES
94.0' 90.0' 90.0' 94.0' 94.5'
10 SPACES AT 93.75' 100' 100' AT 26.1'
2037.5' 2320.0' 2680.0' 2962.5' 4000'
2500.0'

NOTE: Both and represent

bidirectional green/green lights; the only 37.5'
100'
18 SPACES AT 97.9'
difference is the lamp specification number. Federal Aviation
Administration 77
 TAXIWAY CL LIGHTING COLORS
COLOR-CODED LEAD-OFF LIGHTS
 Warn pilots/drivers exiting a runway they
are within the more restrictive of the RSA
or the ILS/MLS critical area
 Installed beginning with green from the
runway CL to one taxiway CL position
beyond the more critical of the
 Runway holding position
 ILS/MLS critical area holding position
Federal Aviation
Administration 78
 Color Coding of Exit T/W C/L Lights
•• Colors
Colors
–– Runway
Runwaylead-off
lead-offlights
lightsarearecolor-
color-
coded
codedtotowarn
warnpilots
pilotsififthey
theyare
are
within RSA or ILS/MLS critical
within RSA or ILS/MLS critical Color Code Centerline
area
area lights beginning here
and work toward runway
centerline

N.T.S.

According to AC
150/5340-30B,
YL/GN Must be
changed to
YL/YL (Eff 1 Feb 07) Exit Taxiway
Notes
Legend 1. If there is an ILS/MLS Critical area beyond the
runway holding position, the color-coded lights
Y G Bi-Directional Yellow-Green
continue to the ILS/MLS critical area holding position
G G Bi-Directional Green-Green with the last yellow light similarly located beyond the
critical area holding position.
If operations are only >1200’ RVR, 2. The first light on the runway is green. If there is an
NO T/W C/L light should be installed odd number of color-coded lights, the first two lights
Federal Aviation
on the runway. should be green. Administration
COLOR-CODED TAXIWAY CL LIGHTS
CROSSING A RUNWAY

 Installed from the runway CL to

one taxiway CL position beyond
the more critical of the
 Runway holding position
 ILS/MLS critical area holding position

Federal Aviation
Administration 80
 Color Coding of Taxiway Intersection with a
Runway
Taxiway centerline lights
that cross a runway are
Taxiway
color-coded with a green Crossing a
light beginning at the Runway
runway centerline and
must end with a yellow light
one centerline light position
beyond the runway hold or
ILS/MLS critical area
holding position.
If the layout of the lights
results in an odd number of
N.T.S.
color-coded lights, the first
IfIfoperations
operationsare
areonly
only
two taxiway centerline >1200’
lights on the runway should >1200’ RVR, No Txy C/L
RVR, No Txy C/L
light
light should be installedon
should be installed on
be green the runway.
the runway.
Legend

G G Bi-Directional Green-Green

Y Y Bi-Directional Yellow-Yellow
Federal Aviation
Administration
Taxiway In-pavement Lights L-852
Series Applications
L-852
• Taxiway centerline, straight • Runway Guard Light
sections – L-852G Yellow
– L-852A; CAT I/II – L-852G/S Yellow/Red
– L-852C; CAT III • Stop Bar (L852S)
• Taxiway centerline, curved • Taxiway Edge (L852T)
sections • Taxiway intersections
(L852B/D) (L852E/F)
– L-852B; CAT I/II
– L-852J; CAT I/II
– L-852D; CAT III
– L-852K; CAT III

Federal Aviation
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 L-852A,B,C,D Taxiway Centerline
Lights
• Provides taxi guidance between the runway
and apron areas
• Fixture selection:
– For CAT I/II use L-852A (narrow beam)/L-852B
(wide beam)
– For low visibility (CAT III) route taxiway use L-852C
(narrow beam)/L-852D (wide beam)

Federal Aviation
Administration
L-852C and D Taxiway C/L Light
Spacing
Maximum Longitudinal Spacing

1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR and Above Below 1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR
(L-852C) (L-852D)

Radius of Curved Centerlines

75 ft (23 m) to 399 ft (121 m) 25 ft (7.6 m) 2 12.5 ft (4 m)

25 feet (7.6m) 1

400 ft (122 m) to 1199 ft (364 m) 50 ft (15 m) 25 ft (7.6 m)

1200 ft (365 m) 100 ft (30 m) 50 ft (15 m)

Acute-Angled Exits 50 ft (15 m) 50 ft (15 m)

(See Figure 45 and AC 150/5300-13)

Straight Segments 100 ft (30 m) 3 50 ft (15 m)3

NOTES:
1. A L-852K fixture may be used vice a L-852D
2. A L-852J fixture may be used vice a L-852B
3. Short straight taxiway segments may require shorter spacing per -30 par. 4.3.c and 4.3.h

Federal Aviation
Administration
 New Taxiway C/L Light: L-852J & K

Maximum Longitudinal Spacing

1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR and Above Below 1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR

Radius of Curved Centerlines

75 ft (23 m) to 399 ft (121 m) 25 ft (7.6 m) 2 12.5 ft (4 m)

25 feet (7.6m) 1

400 ft (122 m) to 1199 ft (364 m) 50 ft (15 m) 25 ft (7.6 m)

1200 ft (365 m) 100 ft (30 m) 50 ft (15 m)

Acute-Angled Exits 50 ft (15 m) 50 ft (15 m)

(See Figure 45 and AC 150/5300-13)

Straight Segments 100 ft (30 m) 3 50 ft (15 m)3

NOTES:
1. A L-852K fixture may be used rather than a L-852D
2. A L-852J fixture may be used rather than a L-852B
3. Short straight taxiway segments may require shorter spacing per -30 par. 4.3.c and 4.3.h

Federal Aviation
Administration
 New Taxiway C/L Light: L-852J & K

Maximum Longitudinal Spacing

1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR and Above Below 1,200 Feet (365 m) RVR

Radius of Curved Centerlines

75 ft (23 m) to 399 ft (121 m) 25 ft (7.6 m) 2 12.5 ft (4 m)

25 feet (7.6m) 1

400 ft (122 m) to 1199 ft (364 m) 50 ft (15 m) 25 ft (7.6 m)

1200 ft (365 m) 100 ft (30 m) 50 ft (15 m)

Acute-Angled Exits 50 ft (15 m) 50 ft (15 m)

(See Figure 45 and AC 150/5300-13)

Straight Segments 100 ft (30 m) 3 50 ft (15 m)3

NOTES:
1. A L-852K fixture may be used rather than a L-852D
2. A L-852J fixture may be used rather than a L-852B
3. Short straight taxiway segments may require shorter spacing per -30 par. 4.3.c and 4.3.h
• L-852J/K: For curved applications only- Essentially an ICAO fixture with window tilted into the curve
– Allows photometric requirements to be reduced
• Fixture selection:
– For tightest radius, ≥1200 RVR use L-852J: Same Spacing + possible reduced energy consumption
– For tightest radius, <1200 RVR use L-852K: Spacing is DOUBLED (half the lights) + possible reduced energy
consumption
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Taxiway-Taxiway Intersection Lighting

AC 150/5340-30, par. 4.7.a (2):

Clearance bars at a "T" or "+"
shaped taxiway/taxiway
L-852E >1200’ RVR intersection may be replaced, or
L-852F ≤1200’ RVR supplemented, by an
omni-directional yellow taxiway
intersection light (L-852E or F,
as appropriate) installed near
the intersection of the centerline
Omni-directional Yellow markings if the angle between
the centerlines of any two
adjacent segments of the
pavement is 90 degrees ± 10
degrees

Federal Aviation
Administration
 AC 150/5345-26D
FAA Specification for L-823, Plug
and Receptacle, Cable
Connections

Federal Aviation
Administration
 AC 150/5345-26D

• This advisory circular (AC) contains the

specification for plug and receptacle (cable
connectors) used with underground power
cables, isolation transformer leads, and light
fixture leads for airport lighting systems.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Principal Changes in 5345-26D
• Paragraph 3.3.2 is updated to clarify
requirements for the calculation of tensile
strength of the conductor.
• Paragraph 4.2.1 is reworded to clarify pass/fail
criteria
• Paragraph 4.2.6 now references Section 1200.15
vice 1200.9 of UL-1581 to better address the
current edition of the UL standard.
• Paragraph 5.1 is updated to correct the
insulation resistance value to 75,000 megohms.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 AC 150/5345-44H
Specification for Runway and
Taxiway Signs

Federal Aviation
Administration
 AC 150/5345-44H

• This AC contains the FAA specifications for

unlighted and lighted signs to be used on
taxiways and runways.
• Six (6) types of signs (L-858Y/R/L/(B/Ba)/C/H)
are specified in any of:
– 5 sizes
– 5 styles
– 2 classes
– 3 modes

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Principal Changes in AC 5345-44H
• Storage and shipping low temperature requirement for
lighted sign Class 2 changed:
– Low temp operation (- 40 degrees F),
– Low temp. storage/shipping (-67 degrees F)
• Separation between multiple signs is clarified.
• New requirement for sign panel joints is added; i.e., panel
joints must be the same color as the sign background so as
not to give the appearance of a message divider.
• Information on effect of various sign power supplies on
constant current regulator operation. Luminance
requirements are clarified for regulator brightness steps.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Principal Changes in AC 5345-44H
(Cont.)

• A new requirement for lighted sign internal lamp

failure is added. One light out means all lights out
for signs
• Sign power factor requirement (0.8 minimum)
• New requirements for replacing sign panels. When
replacing panels the entire message element
should be replaced to avoid panel-to-panel color
changes.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 ENGINEERING BRIEF (EB) No. 76
USE SOLAR POWER FOR AIRPORT
OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING

Federal Aviation
Administration
Solar Power Engineering Brief No.
76
(Dated 1/11/08)

 PURPOSE: This Engineering Brief

provides information and guidance to
airports, Airport District Offices (ADOs),
and Architectural and Engineering (A&E)
firms on the use of solar power supplies for
airport obstruction lighting applications.

96
 Solar Power EB No. 76
 Background
 Recent advances in light emitting diode (LED)
technology for obstruction lighting have made the use
of solar power systems an attractive option for many
users.
 A direct current (DC) powered L-810 LED
obstruction light may typically use one-tenth of the
power required for an equivalent incandescent light.
 Cost effective (installation / operation / maintenance)

97
 Solar Power EB No 76
 Background (Cont.)
 No specifications for solar-powered LED
airfield lightings including obstruction lights.
 No solar-powered LED obstruction light
“certified”
 No standards for solar power supply
 No solar-powered temporary rwy lights
“approved”
 Portable, battery-powered temporary rwy/txy
lights standards are in AC 150/5345-50B
98
Basic Solar Power System Block Diagram

PV Charge Lead/Acid Tower

Panel(s) Controller Batteries LED Lights

99
 PV Cell Characteristics
 A typical PV cell produces 0.5-0.6V DC
output under open circuit, no load
conditions (regardless of size)
 Current (& power) output depends on its
efficiency & surface size, & is proportional
to the intensity of the sunlight
 PV Cell output is usually stated in Watt

100
Some PV Panel Considerations

 Solar INSOLATION (kW·h/(m²·day) ) (or sun

hours/day)
 PV panel/array’s performance is rated
according to its max. DC power output under
Standard Test Conditions (STC)
 Weather condition
 Install location, tilt angle
 Size
 Can be wired in series or parallel to increase
voltage or amperage respectively.
101
 Charge Controller
 To monitor the battery’s state of charge.
 To protect battery from being overcharged,
or drained too much.
 To compensates for the differences in battery
charging due to temperature variations.
 It’s rated based on the amount of amperage it
can process from PV panels.

102
 Batteries
 Power source for lighting load
 Storage device (rechargeable battery)
 Battery types:
 Shallow-cycle batteries
 Deep-cycle batteries
 Battery capacity (Amp-hours): the amount of
current which can be supplied by the battery
over a period of hours (usually in 20 hrs or
100 hrs)
103
 Typical L-810 LED Obstruction Lights

 The VA number gives a design

engineer information on how to size
the input circuit breaker, fuses and
wire
 If supply voltage is 120Vac, input  120Vac, 50/60Hz
current is: 14VA/120Vac = 0.117  7W (14VA)
Amps AC (Alternating Current)  24 Vdc
 7W reflects the amount of heat the  6.6W (6.6VA)
fixture produces

104
AC 150/5345-53, App. 3

105
BASIC SOLAR POWER CONSIDERATIONS

 Site Location (amount of sun hours in winter)

 http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-global-maps.html
 Amount of time unit is to be on each day (worst case)
 Power Demand (Loads)- Electrical load in watts-hr
 Battery type/number of batteries
 Charge controller
 PV panels
 Orientation
 Size
 Heat fade, etc.
 Check list

106
DRAFT ACs

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AIRFIELD LIGHTING AC’S
IN FY 2009
• AC 150/5220-XX, Frangible Connections.
• AC 150/5340-1K, Standards for Airport Markings.
• AC 150/5340-18F, Standards for Airport Sign Systems.
• AC 150/5340-26B Maintenance of Airport Visual Aid Facilities.
• AC 150/5340-30E, Design and Installation Details for Airport
Visual Aids.
• AC 150/5345-44J, Specification for Runway and Taxiway Signs.
• AC 150/5345-46D,Specification for Runway and Taxiway Light
Fixtures.
• AC 150/5345-54A, Specification For L-884 Power and Control Unit
for Land And Hold Short Lighting Systems.
• AC 150/5345-56A, Airport Lighting Control And Monitoring System
(ALCMS).
• Engineering Brief (EB) No. XX, Electrical Power Cable.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5220-XX
FRANGIBLE CONNECTIONS

Federal Aviation
Administration
DRAFT AC 150/5220-XX, FRANGIBLE
CONNECTIONS
• This advisory circular (AC) contains specifications for
the frangible connections used to support objects
located in airfield safety areas.
• This AC covers the following types of frangible
connections:
– Fuse bolts (including frangible or neck-down bolts),
– Special material bolts (including alloy bolts),
– Frangible couplings,
– Tear-through fasteners (including countersunk rivets), and
– Tear-out sections (including gusset plates).

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5220-XX, APPLICATION

• FAA recommends the guidance and specifications in this

Advisory Circular for applications requiring frangible
connections.
• These frangibility requirements cover the minimum levels of
safety for airfield safety areas. In order to further the overall
goal of safety on the airport, it is highly encouraged that these
frangibility provisions be incorporated in the areas adjacent to
safety areas whenever possible.
• The guidance in this AC does not apply to any equipment
governed by the Airport Lighting Equipment Certification
Program (ALECP) (as described in AC 150/5345-53). The
ALECP provides specific testing, certification, and frangibility
standards for a variety of equipment and many of those
standards are different from those contained in this AC.

Federal Aviation
Administration
Some types of Frangible Connections

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5340-1K
STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT
MARKINGS

Federal Aviation
Administration
 PROPOSED CHANGES TO 5340-1K

• Clarify some requirements

• Bring consistency to airport signage and airport
design AC’s.
• Readability.
• Move signage related requirements to AC
5340-18.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5340-18F
STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT SIGN
SYSTEMS

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Proposed Changes to Draft AC 5340-18F

• Bring the harmony between sign/marking/ and

airport design standards.
• Update some drawings
• Include a runway holding position roadway
sign used on vehicle roadways .
• Clarify location requirements for holding
position signs for RWY/RWY intersections and
LASHO operations.
• Move some sign related requirements from
marking AC into this signage AC.

Federal Aviation
Administration
Federal Aviation
Administration
 CL
9.943 9.943
.625

Runway Holding
6.000 Position Roadway Sign

6.000

R1.500

MUTCD HORIZONTAL RECTANGLE

24" X 18" BLANK STANDARD

COLORS:
LEGEND - WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE)
BACKGROUND - RED (RETROREFLECTIVE)

TEXT:
FONT - MUTCD "SERIES B 2000"
HEIGHT 6"; STROKE .75"

REF: MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

(MUTCD) STANDARD HIGHWAY SIGNS 2004 (ENGLISH) EDITION

Federal Aviation
Administration
Federal Aviation
Administration
Holding Position Signs at a runway/runway intersection

These signs identify runway intersections and are the same as holding
120
position signs on taxiways, except they do not have locations signs.
 2nd holding
position
sign

Where a runway is part of a taxi route or has a Land and Hold Short
Operation (LASHO), a holding position marking is installed along with
121
holding position signs on both sides of the runway.
 A holding position marking is
installed for Land and Hold Short
Operations (LAHSO).

12R - 30L 12R - 30L

Holding position signs are

required on both sides of the
runway for LAHSO.

Location signs are not included with runway designation signs at 122
runway/runway intersections.
This an example of a runway-holding position established on a runway
where the runway is used as a taxi route. Pilots must taxi on Runway 35
to take-off on Runway 30 because there is no direct taxiway access to
Runway 30.

123
LAHSO of a taxiway situation is usually the result of an acute angle
runway/runway intersections where the holding position had to be moved
back to clear the parallel taxiway intersection in order to install signs
124 on
both sides of the runway.
LAHSO of a taxiway may also be used where ATC will clear aircraft across
the runway near the end for capacity enhancement. In this situation,
aircraft landing 12L can exit and cross 12R on Taxiway Hotel while aircraft
land on 12R and hold short of Taxiway Juliet.

125
 DRAFT AC 150/5340-26B
MAINTENANCE OF AIRPORT
VISUAL AID FACILITIES

Federal Aviation
Administration
Proposed Changes for Draft AC 5340-26B

• This Advisory Circular (AC) provides recommended

guidelines for maintenance of airport owned lighted
visual aid facilities.
• Use of this AC in conjunction with information
available in instruction books, equipment manuals,
handbooks and other ACs.
• Principal Changes in 5340-26B:
– Incorporating maintenance philosophy for RWSL

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5340-30E
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
DETAILS FOR AIRPORT
VISUAL AIDS

Federal Aviation
Administration
 PROPOSED CHANGES FOR
DRAFT AC 5340-30E

• Revise Threshold/ Runway End Lights.

• Correct Windcone Location drawings.

Federal Aviation
Administration
THRESHOLD/RUNWAY LIGHT
COLORS GREEN/RED

GREEN / RED RED / GREEN

130 130
DISPLACED THRESHOLD
10’

DISPLACED THRESHOLD
DISPLACED THRESHOLD

AREA USABLE FOR ROLLOUT, TAXIING AND TAKEOFF

10’

131
131
132
133
134
 Siemens
Airfield 200' max
2' min
Solutions
10'
ctr to ctr
10' max
200’ Max 2' min
10' max
10’
Center-
2’ Min,
10’ Max 2’ Min, Runway and Threshold Lighting
10’ Max
Center
LIRL & MIRL AC 150/5340-30 Fig. 2
10' Detail A Updated 8 Dec 06
ctr to ctr
10’ 400' max
Center- • Threshold lights emit green light outward from the runway
W
Center and red light toward the runway to mark the ends of the
DETAIL A: Threshold / Runway End Lights runway ax
'm
Installed• with
L-860E
LIRL's or(LIRL)
MIRL's or 0
20
L-861E (MIRL) • Located 2 ft - 10 ft max outboard from the threshold
DETAIL A Green/Red
Detail A • Two200'symmetrical groups W
200' max max
W
G R
W 200’ Max • The outermost light is located in line with the runway edge
lights- all other lights on 10 ft centers toward the extended
runway centerline
• For LIRL & MIRL, not less than 6 lights total
G R
B W W
B

NOTES:
taxiway W 1. Install six threshold lights on visual runways.
2. Install eight threshold lights on instrument runways.
B B 3. For intersections, uniform spacing is maintained by
installing a single elevated edge light on the runway
opposite the missing light position.
4. Gaps between lights on a single side of the runway must
W not exceed 400 ft.
5. Markings are for information only, refer to AC 150/5340-1
for appropriate runway markings.

13
5
Siemens
Airfield
Runway Threshold/End
Solutions Lighting- HIRL 200’ Max 200’ Max

AC 150/5340-30 Fig. 3
Updated 8 Dec 06

200’ Max

• For HIRL Threshold/End, 6 lights are used on

visual runways, 8 lights on instrument runways
200’ Max
2’ Min,
2’ Min,
10’ 10’ Max
10’ Max
Center-
center

L-862E
Red/Green
10’
Center-
center

13
6
L-806 Location

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5345-44J
Specification for Runway and
Taxiway Signs

Federal Aviation
Administration
Federal Aviation
Administration
Federal Aviation
Administration
 PROPOSED CHANGES FOR
DRAFT AC 5345-44J
• Clarify and define the terms used in the AC,
e.g., sign size, legend panel, sign face, module,
proportionality, border, etc.
• Spacing requirements to prevent excessive
space at either end of a sign for a complete
message.
• Clarify sign border for L-858L signs as a
continuous yellow border.

Federal Aviation
Administration
PROPOSED CHANGES IN DRAFT AC
5345-44J (Cont.)
• Letter and numeral code lookup tables are
revised & organized by sign size. Each table
now has letter-to-letter and letter-to-numeral
spacing requirements.
• Clarify spacing requirements for sign legends
and borders.
• Update drawings.

Federal Aviation
Administration
TYPICAL SIGN AND COMPONENT
PARTS

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT 150/5345-46D
SPECIFICATION FOR RUNWAY
AND TAXIWAY LIGHT FIXTURES

Federal Aviation
Administration
Proposed changes for Draft AC 5345-46D

• The addition of RWSL fixtures and its

photometrics:

– For Runway Entrance Lights (REL), an existing

fixture, L-852S, is used.
– For Takeoff/Hold Lights (THL) we currently use a
modified L-850A fixture with a traffic red filter. A
new assigning “L” number will be added to this light
fixture.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 DRAFT AC 150/5345-54A
SPECIFICATION FOR L-884 POWER
AND CONTROL UNIT FOR LAND AND
HOLD SHORT LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Federal Aviation
Administration
PROPOSED CHANGES FOR DRAFT AC
5345-54A
• Temperature range for Style 1, Indoor PCU
and Style 2, Outdoor PCU, is changed to
accurately reflect in/outdoor environments.
• Frangible couplings requirement is added.
• Requirements for installation of the PCU in the
RSA/TSA are clarified.
• Environmental, EMI, lightning testing are
updated.

Federal Aviation
Administration
DRAFT AC 150/5345-56A – Airport
Lighting Control and Monitoring
System (ALCMS)

Federal Aviation
Administration
 PROPOSED CHANGES IN DRAFT
AC 5345-56A
• 150/5345-56A – Airport Lighting Control and
Monitoring System (ALCMS)
– ALCMS must meet RWSL reliability requirements per
FAA-E-3002 (0.999) (RWSL FLS Spec)
– Power quality
– EMI/RFI
– Monitoring
– Power line carrier
– System timing requirements for RWSL

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Electrical Power Cable L-824
Draft Engineering Brief (EB) No. XX

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”
PURPOSE
• This engineering brief provides guidance
information and proposes additional
requirements for L-824 (Type B and C) 5
kilovolt (kV) underground electrical cable

• The guidance information is intended to provide

a means for airport lighting system designers to
select a cable type for optimum longevity and
performance.

Federal Aviation
Administration
Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”

A - Stranded copper conductor (#4 AWG or #6 AWG)

B - Strand screen semi-conducting material

C - Insulation

D - Jacket or sheath

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”
• Both Type B and Type C 5 kilovolt power cable
is produced by manufacturers for use in airport
series lighting circuits.
– The selection of either type of cable is both highly
debated and frequently controversial.
– The 5kV cable’s performance has a substantial
impact upon the reliability and cost of maintenance
• Is the backbone of the airport runway/taxiway series
lighting system
– A properly selected and installed high voltage cable
can be expected to perform reliably for many years.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”
• The airport lighting system designer should closely
evaluate the following when selecting cable types
(applicable to both 600 and 5000 volt cables)
– Lifecycle costs
• EPR based cable may be higher in initial cost, consider the
long service life typically exhibited by properly installed
Type B cable.

– Cable service conditions

• Consider whether the cable will be constantly immersed in
water and subject to the corrosive properties of runway
deicing agents.
– Include the resistance of the cable to deformation
caused by heat - especially when multiple cables are
run in a single conduit.
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”
• Cable Installation
– Consider the flexibility of the cable,
especially in cold weather
• A flexible cable allows easier splicing and less
potential damage arising from installation.

– Ensure the cable is stored properly

• Make sure the ends of the cable are sealed while
still on the reel to prevent moisture intrusion.
• Do not expose the cable to sunlight while in
storage
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type C L-824 XLPE Cable
Water trees are branched
patterns that grow in
Water trees in the
cable insulation layer
polymers in the presence
of an AC field and water.

Cable conductor

Cable insulation

The pinholes subsequently will cause the cable

insulation to break down and result in the
failure of the cable.
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Type L-824 Engineering Brief “XX”

• Lifecycle costs
• Cable service conditions
• Cable installation
• Cable storage considerations
• Cable inspection
• Expertise for cable splices and shrink fittings
techniques

Federal Aviation
Administration
LED

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Phasing out Incandescent Lamps

• The Energy Independence and Security Act of

2007
– Begins to phases out incandescent and halogen incandescent
lamps between 2012 & 2014

– Directs DOE within five years to create an LED replacement for the
60-W incandescent light and PAR Type 38 halogen light

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is available at:

http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/RL342941.pdf

Federal Aviation
Administration
 FAA LED Applicable Documents

• Engineering Brief 67 – “Light Sources Other

Than Incandescent and Xenon For Airport and
Obstruction Light Fixtures” (Nov. 2004)
• AC 150/5345-46C, “Runway and Taxiway Light
Fixtures”

Federal Aviation
Administration
Engineering Brief (EB) No 67

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Evolution of EB 67

• Airport Engineering Division held initial requirements meeting

for LEDs with airfield visual aids manufacturers. (May 2004)
• Coordinated/Identified/Developed additional design
requirements specific to LED and other alternate light
sources (ALS).
– Consensus requirements developed
• Prepared draft EB 67 as supplement to AC 150/5345-46,
Runway & Taxiway Lighting Fixtures, and AC 150/5345-43,
Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Engineering Brief 67
• “Light Sources Other Than Incandescent
and Xenon For Airport and Obstruction
Lighting Fixtures”
– Includes the required specific test and design
requirements for alternative light sources that
will be used in certified airfield lighting fixtures.
– Ensures these new lighting technologies are
seamlessly integrated with existing lighting
technologies on the airfield.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Engineering Brief 67

• Prepared Engineering Brief

67
– “Light Sources Other Than
Incandescent and Xenon for
Airport and Obstruction
Lighting Fixtures”

– Specifies the additional

requirements for the design of
LED airport lighting
technologies.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 LED Taxiway
Edge Light Evaluation

• Initial production units deployed

– Houston
– Memphis
• Feedback from users
– LEDs are too bright!
– Inability to control intensity
• Updated EB-67 Requirements
– Implemented “Maximum Intensity Controls”
– Tighten Synchronization of Dimming Curve.

Federal Aviation
Administration
 Use of LED L-861T
See
SeeEng
EngBrief
Brief67
67
Par
Par1.0
1.0 if corrected output not implemented

% Intensity
Natural LED
100 Single LED light in midst Response
of incandescent fixtures
could be much brighter
80 than surrounding fixtures

60 Tungsten
Halogen
40

20 Incandescent

Current
2.8A 3.4A 4.1A 5.2A 6.6A
16
6
 FAA
FAAEng
EngBrief
Brief67
67
Par
Par2.12
2.12
Arctic Kit

• Per FAA Eng. Brief 67, “All fixtures must have an optional
arctic kit or/and appropriate addressing of potential icing
conditions to no less extent than present fixtures….”
– The arctic kit must be self-activating

16
7
 See
SeeEng
EngBrief
Par
Brief67
Par2.4
2.4
67
Fixture Loading
LED Engine

LED W
Electronics

LED W + Electronics
VA (Fixture Load)

Series Isolation

Circuit Transformer

16 CCR Load VA
8
 Painting, Marking,
Lighting of Vehicles Airport Beacons

AC 150/5210-5 AC 150/5345-12

Discharge Flashers
Each of these ACs Wind Cones

references Engineering Brief 67

AC 150/5345-51 AC 150/5345-27

Engineering Brief 67
Portable Lights Obstruction Lights

AC 150/5345-50 AC 150/5345-43

Runway
Taxiway Fixtures Signs

AC 150/5345 - 46 AC 150/5345 - 44

Federal Aviation
Administration
 LED Technology
Deployed by Airports

• L-801 - Beacons

• L-810 - Obstruction

• L-852 - Taxiway Centerline

• L-861T - Taxiway Edge

• L-852T - Taxiway Edge Style 3

Federal Aviation
Administration
 LED Deployments

• L-810 Obstruction Light

– 250,000+ lights deployed

• L 861T Elevated Taxiway Edge Light

– 150,000+ lights deployed

• L-852 In-pavement Taxiway Centerline Light

– 75,000+ lights deployed
• L 864 Obstruction Light
– 25,000+ lights deployed
Federal Aviation
Administration
 Installation-Existing Series Circuit
6.6A 6.6A
Tungsten 6.6A Tungsten
Halogen LED Halogen

2 2 2

CONTROL
SYSTEM

2 2 2

1 1

CCR

This is an example schematic showing how to add an LED fixture into an existing
series circuit. It is simply dropped into place.

17
2
New LED Technologies

Federal Aviation
Administration
 New LED Technology
• L-804 Runway Guard Lights (Elevated)

• L-858 Signs

• L-860 Low Intensity Runway Edge

Federal Aviation
Administration
THANK YOU!

Federal Aviation
Administration