Airfield lighting ensures safe takeoffs, landings, and taxi operations, especially during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. Pilots rely on these systems to maintain situational awareness, and any disruption in performance can spell delays, cancellations, or unsafe conditions on the runway. In extreme weather conditions, lighting infrastructures face unique stresses that can quickly reduce effectiveness.
- Effects of Extreme Weather on Airfield Lighting Systems
- Reduced Efficiency of Solar Installations
- Designing for Durability and Reliability: Key Technologies & Materials
- Maintenance Strategies for Extreme Climates
- Secure Your Airfield Lighting Against Extreme Weather
Punishing and volatile climates can degrade airfield lighting fixtures, cause wiring failures, lead to corrosion, and compromise performance. If your airport rotating beacon, for example, doesn’t stay functional under harsh conditions, you risk pilot confusion, runway incursions, and other potential safety incidents. That’s why choosing robust, reliable lighting solutions for your airfield is paramount.
Let’s explore further how extreme weather affects airfield lighting systems and what you can do to keep your lighting fixtures performing at their best, no matter what the forecast has in store.
Effects of Extreme Weather on Airfield Lighting Systems
Airfield lighting systems are vulnerable to harsh weather. With so many components—lights, wiring, control cabinets, supporting hardware—there’s a lot that can go wrong when conditions turn bad.
Temperature Fluctuations
Many airfields are located in regions where the temperature can swing drastically. Summer days in a desert climate may reach scorching highs, while winter nights dip well below freezing. These temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction in metals, plastic components, and wiring insulation. Over time, the repeated shifts can lead to cracks in enclosures or damage to internal connections. A fixture that seems functional during a warm day might fail unexpectedly once temperatures drop at night.
Moisture, Ice Buildup, and Corrosion
In colder regions, the buildup of snow and ice can become a serious hazard for your lighting system. Ice forming on lenses and wiring can dim or block beams, reducing visibility. When ice melts, water can seep into crevices and damage internal components. Coastal or high-humidity environments increase corrosion risk, especially in metal fixtures and wiring. Protective paints or coatings wear down faster in salty air, eventually exposing bare metal. If left unchecked, corrosion can weaken structural supports and lead to electrical failures.
Wind-Driven Snow or Sand
Desert airfields are no strangers to sandstorms, and winter runways in northern climates endure howling winds that drive snow into every possible gap. Wind-driven debris can degrade the performance of airport beacon systems, obscuring the light output. In addition, it can erode the surfaces of markers used during runway closures, gradually wearing down the bright markings that alert pilots to avoid certain areas. The sand or snow can work its way into fixtures, shorting electrical components or grinding down mechanical parts.
Reduced Efficiency of Solar Installations
Some airports rely on solar power for certain lighting systems, such as solar-powered wind cones, to reduce energy costs and simplify remote or off-grid installations, but their effectiveness depends heavily on available sunlight. In regions with extended cloudy seasons or frequent storms, these solar-powered installations might not get enough energy to keep batteries charged. Moreover, repeated exposure to harsh weather can diminish battery capacity, especially if the system isn’t carefully engineered with durability in mind.
Designing for Durability and Reliability: Key Technologies & Materials
If you want to guarantee consistent performance in the harshest conditions, you have to focus on the design aspect of airfield lighting. From material selection to the use of modern lighting technologies, every detail should aim for durability and reliability. Hardware made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant alloys provides better longevity in salty or humid environments. Protective coatings, such as powder coats or specialized paints, further shield the metal from rust, while sealed enclosures protect sensitive electronics from moisture, preventing short circuits or component failure.
For lighting elements, advanced LED technology is now the standard for durability. LED lighting solutions consume less energy, produce less heat, and generally have a longer operational life than older halogen or incandescent bulbs. For instance, our Airport LED Rotating Beacon L-801A(L) offers a typical lamp life of 50,000 hours and a 65% power reduction over traditional metal halide lamps, resulting in significant energy cost savings and reduced maintenance requirements. Furthermore, LEDs maintain consistent light output across a wide temperature range, making them well-suited for climates that swing from bitter cold to scorching heat.
Given the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing grid dependency, many airports are turning to solar-powered lighting solutions. Our Solar Powered Wind Cone L806, for example, ensures you have a reliable and eco-friendly wind indication. It has onboard indicators for battery, charging, and system status, and it uses a 100 to 300 Ah AGM battery that’s designed for up to 4,000 charge/discharge cycles. Built with a weather and corrosion-resistant construction featuring powder-coated steel and aluminum, it stands up well in high-wind, high-moisture, or dusty conditions.
Maintenance Strategies for Extreme Climates
Even the best-designed airfield lighting systems need routine care. Minor issues can escalate into major failures at the worst possible time. Focus on preventive maintenance and leverage modern technology to keep your lighting systems operational even in severe conditions.
Routine Checks and Seasonal Inspections
Regularly inspect critical hardware, such as lighted x markers, airport beacon bulbs, lenses, and power cables, to spot any signs of wear or damage. Be sure to clean fixtures of ice buildup, dirt, sand, or other debris that can reduce light output. If you have solar-powered airfield lighting systems, clear off any snow or dust from solar panels to ensure maximum charging efficiency. Seasonal inspections are especially important if you operate in regions with dramatic weather shifts.
Sensor-Driven or IoT-Enabled Systems
Modern lighting systems can incorporate sensors or Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that track performance in real-time. These sensors monitor current draw, light intensity, and battery levels. If something goes wrong, the system can send an alert to maintenance crews immediately, reducing the time it takes to identify and fix issues. Remote monitoring becomes particularly valuable in difficult-to-access areas or during adverse weather where any delay can lead to unsafe runways.
Backup Power and Redundancy
Harsh weather often comes with power outages. Storms can knock down power lines, and extreme heat can stress electrical grids. Having backup power sources, such as battery systems or even portable generators, ensures your airfield lighting remains operational. Many facilities also keep portable lighting units on standby. With both a primary and secondary set of lights available, you can reduce the risk of a complete lighting failure during emergencies.
Secure Your Airfield Lighting Against Extreme Weather
Hali-Brite believes every airport deserves a reliable lighting system—no matter the climate. We offer a range of FAA-certified airfield lighting solutions designed specifically to keep your runways visible even in the toughest environments. Our products blend durable materials and cutting-edge technology with user-friendly installation and maintenance, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your airport operations all year round. For more information, contact us at (218) 454-095 or here.