Why LED FAA Lighting Is Better For Airports

By Helen Nelson


The Energy Independence and Security Act signed by George Bush on December 2017 is a law that calls for light bulb efficiency. As a result of this, many establishments in the United States have collectively opted to use LED lights, which are more energy efficient. These establishments also include airports. Airports have slowly adopted LED FAA lighting as a means of complying with the rules stipulated in this law.

Although the law did not necessarily call for the complete ban of incandescent bulbs, LEDs are simply better in many other aspects. While incandescent bulbs release ninety percent heat and only ten percent energy, LEDs emit only minimal heat and more energy. They also last significantly longer than other sources.

Researches have stated that LEDs can actively operate between 50000 to 100000 hours. This is around forty times more than incandescent lights. With a longer lifespan comes long term benefits such as increased savings, less manual labor, and fewer replacements. Since they are less hot, they are also safer in comparison to other lighting systems, particularly incandescent lights.

They function well with low voltage systems, allowing them to be the more secure option in emergencies involving power complications. Since they are also smaller in size compared to the rest, they can are easily adaptable to multiple other functions. However, despite the fact that they are better for the health of the environment, many still choose to buy inefficient incandescent lights rather than LEDs which are obviously the better option.

A primary reason for this is because incandescents are significantly cheaper than LEDs during the initial purchase. What most people do not realize is that light emitting diodes will ultimately lessen your electricity bill in the long run because they are able to run on low voltage systems. Additionally, those who opt for LEDs will require fewer replacements and have light sources that are not only much brighter but also last longer.

To manage environmental concerns, airports have joined the efforts in switching to LEDs, beginning with runways. However, the initial switch was not exactly smooth sailing for them. A surprising problem for them was the sheer concentration of the light.

In fact, they encountered a number of issues. A surprising problem that they did not expect was the brightness intensity of the new LED lighting systems. This brightness caused visibility issues for pilots landing on the airstrip. The brightness of light emitting diodes could not match with the other systems, even on the dimmest setting. The increased illumination impaired the perception and vision of the pilots, blinding them whenever they landed for touchdowns.

To provide a solution, the FAA introduced five step regulators to replace three step regulators. With this change, airline personnel was allowed to have better navigation of the brightness manual. Coupled with feedback from the pilots, the lights were adjusted to the most optimal setting that allowed safer landings and better visibility.

Currently, airports have widely expanded the switch to tarmacs, jetways, hangars, and other areas. Issues that arose along with the switch were also noted and used to develop better illuminating systems that are approved by pilots and are more cost efficient for airports. Passenger safety and nighttime visibility issues have also been addressed and airports are now using a fraction less energy than they used to with the previous incandescent systems. This goes to show that if airlines can manage more eco friendly solutions, then the rest of the world can too.




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