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A practical technical comparison library for Airfield Ground Lighting systems, equipment, technologies, installation methods, testing practices, photometry and aviation standards — built for engineers, students and airport professionals.
Every comparison follows a standard engineering format — full form, principle, configuration, installation, photometry, applicable standards, advantages, limitations and an Engineering Verdict on which system suits which application. Not just definitions.
Try adjusting your search or filter criteria.
It is a collection of 149 side-by-side technical comparisons for Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), organised into 11 categories. Each comparison explains how two or more systems, components, methods or standards differ in purpose, construction, performance and application.
The 11 categories are Approach & Landing Systems, Visual Glide Slope Systems, Runway Lighting, Taxiway Lighting, AGL Electrical Systems, AGL Photometry, LED & Light Source, Installation & Construction, Testing, Maintenance & Troubleshooting, Standards & Compliance, and AGL Technology.
Each page opens with a quick snapshot, works through the technical differences in detail, and closes with an engineering verdict, a frequently asked questions section and the standards and reference basis for the topic.
Pages refer to the applicable ICAO, FAA, IEC and national requirements for the topic being compared, and several pages compare the standards themselves, such as ICAO versus FAA, ICAO versus DGCA, and IS versus IEC. Project requirements must always be verified against the current edition of the standard that applies at the airport.
Use the search box to look up a topic such as PAPI vs VASI, CAT II or transformer, or use the category filter to browse one group at a time. Every result opens a dedicated comparison page.
They are intended as engineering learning and reference material. AGL requirements are project-specific, so always confirm design, testing and acceptance decisions against the approved specification, the applicable standard and the airport authority's requirements.
Understanding the difference between AGL systems is the first step. The next step is knowing how to design, install, test, commission and maintain them correctly.
Go deeper with structured training from Precision AGL Academy, covering:
Learn how AGL systems work as part of a complete airport lighting system, not just as individual components or configurations.
Please read before relying on any content on this page.