The Pilot Controlled Lighting Symbol: A Guide For Pilots

How it works Pilotcontrolled lighting AOPA from www.aopa.org

If you're a pilot, you're probably familiar with the pilot controlled lighting symbol. This symbol is an important part of aviation and is used to communicate with air traffic control (ATC) about the lighting conditions at an airport. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pilot controlled lighting symbol, what it means, and how it's used.

What is the Pilot Controlled Lighting Symbol?

The pilot controlled lighting symbol is a square with a letter "L" inside. This symbol is used to indicate that the lighting at an airport can be controlled by the pilot. When a pilot sees this symbol on an airport chart, it means that they can turn the airport lights on or off by using their aircraft's radio.

How is the Pilot Controlled Lighting Symbol Used?

When a pilot wants to turn on the lights at an airport, they tune their radio to the airport's frequency and transmit a specific sequence of radio signals. This sequence is unique to each airport and is published in the airport's chart supplement. Once the sequence is transmitted, the lights at the airport will turn on, providing the pilot with better visibility during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. When the pilot is ready to turn off the lights, they transmit a different sequence of radio signals. This sequence will turn off the lights at the airport, signaling to other pilots that the airport is no longer in use. It's important for pilots to follow the correct sequence of radio signals to avoid confusion and ensure that the airport lights are turned on or off correctly.

Why is the Pilot Controlled Lighting Symbol Important?

The pilot controlled lighting symbol is important because it allows pilots to control the lighting at an airport, improving safety and visibility during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Without this symbol, pilots would have to rely on ATC to turn on or off the lights at an airport, which could cause delays and confusion. Additionally, the pilot controlled lighting symbol is important for pilots who are flying at night or in low visibility conditions. By being able to turn on the airport lights themselves, pilots can ensure that they have the best possible visibility during their approach and landing.

Tips for Using the Pilot Controlled Lighting Symbol

If you're a pilot who is using the pilot controlled lighting symbol, there are a few tips you should keep in mind: 1. Make sure you have the correct sequence of radio signals for the airport you're flying to. This information can be found in the airport's chart supplement. 2. Check the weather conditions before you attempt to turn on the airport lights. If the visibility is too low, turning on the lights could actually reduce visibility. 3. If you're having trouble turning on or off the airport lights, contact ATC for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot any issues you may be having.

Conclusion

The pilot controlled lighting symbol is an important part of aviation and allows pilots to control the lighting at an airport. By following the correct sequence of radio signals, pilots can ensure that they have the best possible visibility during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. If you're a pilot who is using this symbol, make sure you have the correct sequence of radio signals and follow the tips outlined above to ensure a safe and successful flight.