pilot-controlled lighting

pilot-controlled lighting (PCL)

The airborne radio control of airport lighting by keying an aircraft's transmitting button. The control system consists of a three-step control responsive to seven, five, and/or three microphone clicks. The three-step and the two-step lighting facilities can be altered in intensity. All lighting is illuminated for a period of 15 min, except for one-step and two-step runway end identification lights (REILs), which may be turned off by keying the mike five or three times, respectively. It is recommended to always initially key the mike seven times; this ensures that all control lights are turned on to the maximum available intensity. If desired, adjustment can then be made, where the capability is provided, to a lower intensity, or the REIL can be turned off by keying the mike five and/or three times. Because of the proximity of airports using the same frequency, radio-controlled lighting receivers may be set at a low sensitivity, requiring the aircraft to be relatively close to activate the system. Approved lighting systems can be activated by keying the mike as indicated in the table.