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Airport Lighting Control

AIM ¶ 2-1-7 — Airport Lighting Control

AIM 2-1-7 explained for pilot students: how ATCT and FSS control approach and runway lights, intensity settings, and pilot requests for lighting changes.

In Plain English

AIM 2-1-7 explains who controls airport approach and runway lighting and what pilots can request. Normally, the control tower (ATCT) operates these lights. At airports without an active tower, the Flight Service Station (FSS) may control them.

As a pilot, you can ask the controller to:

  • Turn lights on or off (runway edge lights, in-pavement lights, approach lights)
  • Adjust intensity — most runway and approach lighting systems have step-adjustable brightness
  • Activate or deactivate sequenced flashing lights (SFL) — the bright "rabbit" leading to the threshold
  • Adjust SFL intensity on systems that support it

Why it matters: on a dark night or in low visibility, lights at full intensity can wash out the runway environment, while in haze or daylight you may need them brighter. Knowing you can simply ask ATC to dim the rabbit, raise the runway edge intensity, or kill a distracting flasher is a real-world technique that improves situational awareness on approach and landing.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 2-1-7
2-1-7. 2-1-7. Control of Lighting Systems Operation of approach light systems and runway lighting is controlled by the control tower (ATCT). At some locations the FSS may control the lights where there is no control tower in operation. Pilots may request that lights be turned on or off. Runway edge lights, in-pavement lights and approach lights also have intensity controls which may be varied to meet the pilots request. Sequenced flashing lights (SFL) may be turned on and off. Some sequenced flashing light systems also have intensity control.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who controls approach light systems and runway lighting at a towered airport, and what about non-towered fields?
Per AIM 2-1-7, the control tower (ATCT) controls approach light systems and runway lighting. At some locations without a tower in operation, the FSS may control the lights.
Q2What lighting adjustments can a pilot request from ATC?
Per AIM 2-1-7, pilots may request lights be turned on or off, and may request intensity changes for runway edge lights, in-pavement lights, and approach lights. Sequenced flashing lights can be turned on or off, and some SFL systems also have intensity control.
Q3If the sequenced flashing lights are too bright on a dark night approach, what can you do?
Per AIM 2-1-7, you can ask ATC (or FSS where applicable) to turn the SFL off, or, if the system supports it, request a lower intensity setting.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 2
2-1-1
Approach Light Systems
2-1-10
Taxiway Lights
2-1-2
Visual Glideslope Indicators
2-1-3
Runway End Identifier Lights
2-1-4
Runway Edge Lights
2-1-5
In-Runway Lighting
2-1-6
Runway Status Lights (RWSL)
2-1-8
Pilot Controlled Lighting
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AIM 2-1-7 — Control of Airport Lighting Systems