Fulfilling international standards

 
 

Airport lighting systems are the only devices that provide the pilot with a visual cue of exact aircraft positioning, even under the most severe meteorological conditions. Because of their instrumental role during the most critical phases of airport movement – approach, landing, taxiing and take-off –, they must fulfill the highest degree of reliability, while at the same time conforming to the strictest international standards.

For civil airports, aviation lighting standards and guidelines are clearly delineated in ICAO’s Annex 14 of the Convention on International Airports, Volumes I and II. Explanations and project planning criteria are outlined in the ICAO Aerodrome Design Manual, Parts 4 and 5. International and national airport regulations place additional requirements on equipment.

In addition to full compliance with ICAO regulations, Siemens/ADB also meets international and national standards such as IEC (world), FAA (US), EN (EU), STANAG (NATO), CAP 168 (UK), STNA (France), etc.

Almost all of our equipment is certified for installation in most countries.

Our technical experts actively participate in the various international standardization commitees of the above organizations. This ensures that our products and systems meet international standards, and also guarantees that the standards remain on the highest technology level. Our efforts are directed to continuously providing best practices for airport operators and designers worldwide.

Lighting Systems Layout according to ICAO Standards

The required type of precision approach runway lighting is determined by the prevailing visibility conditions at an airport. ICAO has developed standard AGL guidelines for each of the different categories.

Lighting system requirements for CAT I to III
 

Lighting Category Remarks
CAT I CAT II CAT
Approach lighting
(CALVERT or barrette system)		 –
Side row barrette lighting
with 150 m crossbar		 –  For CAT II/III
Sequenced flashing light Sequenced flashing light optional.
In Cat II/III installations, may be switched off in the zone between the threshold and the 300 m bar.
Precision approach
path indicator (PAPI)		 In CAT II/III installations, the visual approach slope indicator may be switched off
Threshold lighting With additional wing bars and RTIL lights, as required
Runway edge lighting –
Runway center line lighting Optional in CAT I installations
Runway end lighting –
Touchdown zone lighting – For CAT II/III
Taxiway edge lighting Also recommended for curves in CAT II/III
Taxiway center line lighting In the case of complex taxiway systems and high traffic volumes, recommended also for CAT I
Stop bars Also recommended for CAT I
Runway guard lights CAT I only when dense traffic
Signs –
required          option         –   not required