Aviation Lighting Testing and Certification

Aviation lighting testing refers to the process of evaluating and ensuring the proper functioning and compliance of lighting products and systems at airports, heliports, and vertiports. These lighting systems are essential for safe aircraft operations, especially during periods of low visibility, such as night-time or adverse weather conditions. The testing procedures aim to verify that the lighting equipment meets the required standards and operates correctly.

The testing procedures often involve measurements of light intensity, color, and beam alignment using specialized equipment. Additionally, periodic inspections and maintenance are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance and to address any issues or failures promptly.

Aviation Lighting Equipment Testing & Certification
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Aviation lighting testing typically involves the following aspects:

Runway Lighting:
This includes testing the runway edge lights, threshold lights, touchdown zone lights, runway centerline lights, and other lighting fixtures along the runway. The intensity, alignment, and color of the lights are assessed to ensure they meet the prescribed specifications. Light fixtures along with their mounting bolts and other hardware are evaluated for compliance with stringent requirements on structural integrity and frangibility.

Taxiway Lighting and Signage:
The taxiway lighting system is examined to verify the functionality of taxiway edge lights, centerline lights, taxiway guidance signs, and other associated lighting fixtures. The lighting levels, color, and readability of the lights are evaluated. Light fixtures and signs along with their mounting hardware are evaluated for compliance with stringent requirements on structural integrity and frangibility.

Approach Lighting:
The approach lighting system, which assists pilots during landing approaches, is tested. This includes assessing the performance of precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights, runway end identifier lights (REIL), and other visual aids that guide the pilot's descent. Light fixtures along with their mounting structures are evaluated for compliance with stringent requirements on structural integrity and frangibility.

Obstruction Lighting:
Obstruction lights are installed on structures such as towers, masts, and buildings to indicate their presence and prevent aircraft collisions. The testing ensures that these lights are visible, operational and compliant with the prescribed standards.

Heliport / Vertiport Lighting:
Heliport or Vertiport lighting systems provide pilots with situational awareness during takeoffs, approaches, and touchdowns. Equipment is evaluated to ensure compliance with requirements for intensity, color, and structural integrity.

Airport Apron Lighting:
Apron Lighting provides the necessary illumination around aircraft for the critical operations at an airport related to fueling, maintenance, and passenger movement. Light fixtures are evaluated for intensity characteristics so that lighting designers can properly design the apron areas.

Intertek's Aviation Lighting Testing Solutions

Recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Intertek is a third-party certification body capable of aviation lighting testing, with the ability to secure approvals to industry performance standards such as FCC AC 150/5345 for runway, taxiway, approach, obstruction, and heliport/vertiport lighting equipment. With a partner like Intertek, you have access to world-class aviation lighting testing facilities to verify that your lighting equipment meets all applicable design and operational provisions in accordance with ICAO, IEC, NATO, EASA, CASA, CAA, Transport Canada, and military standards.

Intertek is an FAA-approved third-party certification body under the FAA’s Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program (ALECP) specified in FAA AC 150/5345-53D.

Intertek engineers are heavily involved with crafting specifications for airport (FAA) testing.

• FAA Engineering Brief 83A: Runway Light Fixture Bolts
• FAA Engineering Brief 67D Compliance Testing

Related Services:

• Aircraft Luminaire Services
• Aerospace Testing & Validation