FAA Seeks New Runway Lighting System

The FAA is looking for more affordable alternatives to the runway lighting systems used at some major U.S. airports.

The agency released a request for information last week concerning “technology that could provide pilots with a direct indication that a runway is unsafe either for entry or crossing.”

Fully automated alert lights, known as Runway Status Lights (RWSL) systems, are already employed at 20 airports across the country, but because they are embedded in pavement and require extensive construction work to install, the FAA said, they are not a practical choice for many airports.

“A more cost-effective solution would enable the FAA to provide runway safety lighting capabilities at a greater number of medium and large airports that are currently without these systems,” the request read.

The agency said it wants to gain a better understanding of readily available runway lighting solutions and capabilities that could perform the same functions as RWSL systems. Its goal is to implement the eventual solution at 40 to 50 airports within the next two to three years.

Interested parties have until September 25 to respond.

RWSL systems consist of runway entrance lights, which provide signals to aircraft crossing or entering runways, and takeoff hold lights, which provide signals to aircraft in position for takeoff.

According to the FAA, some of the busiest airports in the U.S. use RWSL systems, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) in New York, Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) in New Jersey, Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW), and Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX).

“We want to make sure pilots and air traffic controllers across the country have the tools they need to keep planes moving safely and efficiently,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement. “A new runway safety lighting system will reduce the number of close calls and hazards on runways at numerous airports. Situational awareness provided by this system is vital in maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.”

The agency clarified that last week’s request for information is separate from the U.S. Transportation Department’s goal of rebuilding the nation’s ATC system, which is expected to involve the renovation of existing FAA facilities and construction of new towers and centers but not overhaul work on runways.