THE AGL ENGINEERING CENTRE by Precision AGL Academy · Maintenance

Airfield Ground Lighting Maintenance: Preventive, Corrective & Periodic

A structured programme covers visual inspection, electrical testing, photometric verification, component inspection, fault diagnosis, corrective action and documentation. The goal is to find why a light failed and restore the whole circuit, not just swap the lamp.

Overview

What AGL Maintenance Really Covers

Airfield Ground Lighting maintenance keeps a lighting system available when the airport needs it and performing to its required optical, electrical and functional level. It is not simply replacing failed lamps or fittings: the aim is to find the cause of a failure and restore the complete lighting circuit.

An AGL system is a chain of power equipment, series circuits, isolation transformers, connectors, light fittings, control equipment and visual guidance systems. A defect anywhere in that chain can change the final lighting performance, so a sound programme combines preventive maintenance, condition monitoring, corrective maintenance and documented retesting.

A light that turns on but produces inadequate optical output is not equivalent to a fully healthy lighting system.
Inspect
Clean
Measure
Check optics
Correct
Retest
Record
Confirm the current edition of each reference before use. ICAO Annex 14 requires a system of preventive maintenance for visual aids. For FAA-based projects, AC 150/5340-26C (Maintenance of Airport Visual Aid Facilities) is listed by the FAA as active, and the FAA issued further guidance in September 2023 on maintaining airport-owned approach lighting systems and visual aids.
Scope

What Is Maintained, and the Two Objectives

Equipment in scope

Runway lightsTaxiway lightsApproach lightsPAPI and visual approach aidsStop barsRunway guard lightsCCRsIsolation transformersPrimary series cableSecondary connectorsJunction boxesLight basesControl systemsMonitoring systems

Maintain availability

The required lighting must be on when the airport needs it.

Maintain performance

The lighting must keep delivering the required optical, electrical and functional performance, not just switch on.

Types of Maintenance

Preventive, Corrective, Predictive and Emergency

Maintenance typeMain objectiveTypical activities
PreventivePrevent failure or degradationInspection, cleaning, testing, adjustment
CorrectiveRestore failed or degraded equipmentRepair, replacement, realignment
Predictive / condition-basedIdentify degradation before failurePhotometry, trend analysis, electrical measurements
EmergencyRestore an unexpected operational deficiency quicklyFault isolation, temporary restoration, urgent repair
A strong programme uses all four approaches rather than relying only on breakdown maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance

Planned Work Before a Failure Becomes Significant

One visit in three stages, and three frequencies of work.

ONE VISIT · ORDER OF WORK live look first, hands-on work only when isolated THE PLAN · FREQUENCY LAYERS quick checks often, deeper tests less often CIRCUIT LIVE look and report defects noted ISOLATED, PROVED DEAD clean, inspect tighten, replace test RESTORED re-energise verify lights record OUTAGE KEPT SHORT · TASKS GROUPED UNDER ONE ISOLATION FREQUENT walk-round, lights-out check PERIODIC cleaning, inspection, torque LONGER INTERVAL insulation, earth, CCR service TIME → INTERVALS SET BY THE SITE PROGRAMME, REGULATOR AND MAKER RECORDS AND TRENDS FEED THE NEXT PLAN SIX VISIT STEPS · IN ORDER 1 PLAN programme, permit, parts, tools; agree access and outage 2 LOOK circuit live: walk the lights, note what is wrong 3 ISOLATE circuit off, locked out, proved dead before hands-on 4 SERVICE clean, inspect, tighten, replace worn parts 5 TEST insulation, continuity and earthing before re-energising 6 RESTORE, LOG re-energise, verify lights, record and trend the results
Figure 1. Preventive maintenance sequence: look while live, work under one isolation, then restore and record.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Preventive maintenance sequence Maintenance Inspection

Visual inspection

The foundation of AGL maintenance: find obvious conditions before they become larger failures.

  • Failed lights, damaged lenses, cracked housings
  • Loose hardware, damaged bases, incorrect orientation
  • Contamination, water ingress, exposed wiring
  • Missing covers, abnormal illumination, overheating

Cleaning

Optical contamination directly reduces lighting performance.

  • Lenses, optical windows, filters, lamp envelopes
  • Housings and PAPI optical components
  • Dust, rubber deposits, oil, mud, insects
  • Do not replace a low-output fixture before ruling out contamination

Connectors

The electrical interface between circuit elements, so maintained before they fail.

  • Loose connections, damaged contacts, corrosion
  • Moisture, insulation damage, incorrect assembly
  • Overheating, contamination, mechanical damage
  • Poor connectors cause intermittent lights, reduced output, open circuits, high-resistance connections, transformer stress and repeated failures

Isolation transformers

The interface between the primary series circuit and each fixture in many installations.

  • Enclosure, cable and connector condition
  • Overheating, moisture ingress, insulation
  • Identification and installation integrity
  • Suspect when one fixture differs from healthy neighbours

Cable system

A major part of AGL reliability; faults can produce complex symptoms.

  • Cable condition, continuity, insulation resistance
  • Fault location, earth faults, cable routes
  • Symptoms: several lights out, intermittent or low output
  • Use a systematic test programme

Light fittings

Inspect mechanical and optical condition of each fitting.

  • Housing, lens, optical assembly, light source
  • Mounting, orientation, seals, drainage
  • In-pavement: lens, pavement interface, settlement
  • Evidence of impact or water ingress

CCR

The aim is to confirm the CCR delivers the expected operating condition to the series circuit, not just that it is powered.

  • Enclosure, cooling, connections, grounding
  • Output current, current steps, control settings
  • Alarms, fault indications, remote control, monitoring
  • Internal components per the manufacturer procedure

Task frequency should follow the applicable authority requirements, airport operating conditions, manufacturer instructions, environmental conditions, system criticality and historical failure data. FAA AC 150/5340-26C uses scheduled inspection intervals and states that its routine may be altered to suit local conditions.

Workflow

A Repeatable Preventive Maintenance Sequence

01

Review maintenance plan

02

Check system status and history

03

Visual inspection

04

Clean equipment

05

Check mechanical condition

06

Check electrical components

07

Perform required measurements

08

Check optical performance

09

Record deficiencies

10

Correct minor defects

11

Schedule major corrective work

12

Retest and update maintenance records

A fixed sequence replaces reliance on individual technician judgement.
Interactive

Fault Triage: Where to Look First

Choose a symptom to see the likely causes and what to check first.

Possible causes
First checks
Pattern note
A starting point for fault isolation, not a replacement for the approved troubleshooting procedure. Work through the circuit; do not replace components at random.
Corrective Maintenance

Diagnose the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptom

Click a fault to see what to investigate.

Three series-loop faults compared: open circuit, short circuit and earth fault.

SERIES LOOP · WHERE DOES THE CURRENT GO? ISOLATE & LOCK OUT BEFORE TOUCHING CABLE ENDS A OPEN CIRCUIT T1 T2 T3 CCR PATH NONE · LOOP BROKEN LAMPS ALL OUT TESTER OVER-RANGE (OL) B SHORT CIRCUIT T1 T2 T3 CCR PATH SHORTCUT, REST SKIPPED LAMPS BEYOND SHORT OUT TESTER FAR BELOW BASELINE C EARTH FAULT T1 T2 T3 CCR PATH LOOP INTACT + LEAK LAMPS STAY ON INSUL. LOW TO EARTH A SECOND EARTH FAULT ELSEWHERE BEHAVES LIKE B SCHEMATIC · LOOP SHORTENED · NOT TO SCALE
Figure 2. Series circuit fault paths: an open circuit darkens every lamp, a short bypasses a section, and an earth fault can leave the lamps on.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Series circuit fault path Earth fault Series circuit troubleshooting

Failed airport light

Possible causes / checks

  • Is the fixture itself faulty?
  • Is power reaching the transformer?
  • Is the isolation transformer healthy?
  • Is the secondary connector intact?
  • Is the light source functional?
  • Is the optical assembly damaged?
  • Is there an upstream series-circuit problem?
  • Are adjacent fixtures normal? One failed light points to a local fault; several point to the common circuit and upstream equipment

Low-intensity light

Possible causes / checks

  • Dirty lens, degraded lamp or LED
  • Damaged optics or optical window
  • Incorrect light source or current setting
  • Transformer or electrical connection problem
  • Beam misalignment
  • Sequence: measure, inspect, clean, check alignment, check electrical condition, repair, retest

Intermittent light

Possible causes / checks

  • Loose connector, damaged cable, poor contact
  • Thermal fault, vibration, unstable connection
  • Transformer, control-system or internal fixture fault
  • Record when it occurs, one or many lights, intensity, weather, circuit condition and recent work
  • Do not close it because it started working again

Series-circuit fault

Possible causes / checks

  • Symptoms: several lights out, unstable operation, circuit trips, incorrect current, low output
  • Path: CCR, primary series cable, isolation transformer, secondary connector, light
  • Troubleshoot through the circuit, not by random replacement

Insulation fault

Possible causes / checks

  • Cable damage, moisture ingress, damaged connectors
  • Transformer insulation deterioration, poor termination, water accumulation
  • Follow electrical safety procedures and approved test methods
  • Interpret readings against cable length, configuration, connected equipment, temperature, moisture and earlier results
  • No single resistance value fits every AGL circuit

Isolation transformer failure

Possible causes / checks

  • Individual light failure, abnormal secondary voltage or current
  • Intermittent operation, overheating, insulation deterioration
  • Repeated lamp or LED failure
  • Separate transformer failure from a fault in the light or secondary connection
  • Compare with adjacent units and historical measurements

Connector failure

Possible causes / checks

  • Corrosion, moisture, loose connection
  • Damaged pins, insulation damage, poor crimping
  • Incorrect assembly, mechanical stress
  • After repair confirm stable operation and retest electrically or photometrically

Light OFF, replace lamp may restore operation temporarily. A better process is: inspect fixture, check transformer, check connector, check circuit, identify root cause, repair, test. This reduces recurring faults and unnecessary maintenance cost.

Schedule

AGL Maintenance Schedule: A Planning Framework

From the maintenance requirement list to a reviewed plan.

HOW REQUIREMENTS TRAVEL INTO MAINTENANCE 1 REQUIREMENT LIST Standards, manufacturer data, regulator rules and contract terms OUTPUT: MAINTENANCE ITEMS 2 MAINTENANCE PLAN Tasks, intervals, spares, tools and acceptable condition OUTPUT: WORK INSTRUCTIONS 3 PREPARE SAFELY Permit, isolation, earthing, tower coordination and spares OUTPUT: SAFE TO WORK 4 CARRY OUT WORK Preventive tasks and corrective repairs OUTPUT: WORK DONE 5 VERIFY Post-work tests and checks against the acceptable condition OUTPUT: FIT FOR SERVICE 6 RECORD & REVIEW Records signed, circuit restored, findings reviewed against intervals OUTPUT: MAINTENANCE RECORDS FEEDBACK LOOP Findings, failures and repeat faults go back to the plan, so tasks, intervals and spares are reviewed against real results. PLAN FIRST · THEN ISOLATE, WORK, VERIFY, RESTORE AND RECORD SIMPLIFIED SEQUENCE · FOLLOW YOUR SITE PERMIT AND ISOLATION PROCEDURE
Figure 3. Maintenance planning flow: six stages, with findings and repeat faults feeding back into the plan.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Maintenance requirement flow Cleaning interval planning Serviceability-triggered maintenance
FrequencyTypical maintenance scope
DailyOperational status, failed-light identification, fault review, critical visual checks
WeeklyDetailed visual inspection, recurring fault review, selected fixture checks
MonthlyCleaning, connectors, fixtures, PAPI checks, controls, selected transformer and CCR inspection
QuarterlyDetailed equipment inspection, electrical checks, CCR, transformer and junction-box checks
Half-yearlyDetailed electrical and equipment condition assessment, selected testing, PAPI inspection
AnnualComprehensive AGL inspection, electrical system review, documentation and programme review
Periodic / condition-basedPhotometry, insulation testing, fault-location testing, trend analysis
After corrective workFunctional test, electrical verification and photometric or relevant retest
This is a planning framework, not a universal regulatory schedule. Set actual intervals from the applicable authority requirements, airport operating conditions, manufacturer instructions and the approved maintenance programme.

Daily

Operational status review and failed-light checks.

  • Control indications and reported faults
  • PAPI operational check where required
  • Record failures

Weekly

Early identification of developing problems.

  • Detailed visual inspection
  • Recurring failures and open corrective actions
  • Vulnerable locations

Monthly

Fixture, connector and control checks.

  • Cleaning and brightness-setting checks
  • PAPI mechanical and optical inspection
  • Selected transformer and CCR inspection

Quarterly

Detailed technical inspection.

  • CCRs, transformers, junction boxes
  • Cables, connectors, grounding and bonding
  • Recurring fault locations

Half-yearly

Detailed electrical inspection.

  • Insulation testing where required
  • CCR performance and control verification
  • Selected photometric checks

Annual

Comprehensive condition assessment.

  • All lighting types, CCRs, cables, bases
  • Monitoring, control and records
  • Review task frequencies against field performance
For PAPI, FAA AC 150/5340-26C describes daily checks that lamps are burning and equally bright, and monthly checks of control operation, brightness control where applicable, physical damage, cleaning of lamps and filters, and mechanical and electrical inspection. The AC uses quarterly, semi-annual and annual planning intervals.
Photometry

Periodic Photometry and Condition Monitoring

What periodic photometry evaluates

  • Light intensity
  • Beam distribution
  • Colour
  • Alignment
  • Optical degradation
  • Fixture-to-fixture consistency

For relevant precision approach runway systems, ICAO guidance identifies in-field measurement of intensity, beam spread and orientation, electrical-circuit measurements and intensity-setting checks as elements of preventive maintenance.

Photometric data is useful beyond acceptance testing. A trend of baseline intensity, current intensity and rate of change shows which fixtures are degrading. A light still operating but with a sustained drop in output deserves investigation before it becomes a failure.

PAPI

PAPI Maintenance

A PAPI is an optical visual approach guidance system rather than a conventional runway or taxiway light, so its maintenance goes beyond lamp replacement. A PAPI can stay illuminated while its guidance is no longer correctly aligned.

Daily PAPI

Confirm all units operate and look comparable.

  • Comparable brightness, abnormal optical appearance
  • Failed light sources and system status
  • Reported defects

Monthly PAPI

Control, optical and mechanical checks.

  • Control and brightness-control operation
  • Clean optical surfaces, inspect filters and lamps
  • Impact damage, wiring, foundation and unit condition

Alignment and geometry

Check geometry, not only lights.

  • Horizontal alignment, vertical aiming, elevation, spacing
  • Runway reference geometry
  • Foundation movement, impact, civil works

PAPI photometry. Where required, verify intensity, beam coverage, colour, transition characteristics, aiming and consistency between units using calibrated equipment and the applicable procedure. ICAO contingency guidance lists calibration of PAPI among visual-aid status checks.

Troubleshooting

A Structured Troubleshooting Process

Make safe first, then follow the symptom to the section at fault.

FAULT-ISOLATION FLOWCHART · SYMPTOM, TYPE, SECTIONFIRSTTELL ATC · SWITCH OFF AND ISOLATE THE CCR · LOCK OFF · AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLYALL LIGHTS OUTCCR open-circuit alarm, no currentOPEN CIRCUITa break in the loopTEST CONTINUITY BY SECTIONFault is where it failsCCR TRIPSEarth-fault or overcurrent alarmEARTH FAULTinsulation to earth is lowTEST INSULATION RESISTANCE BY SECTIONLow reading marks the sectionSOME LIGHTS OUTCCR normal, circuit runningLOCAL FAULTfixture, connector or transformerCHECK THE DEVICE ITSELFLight, secondary connector, transformerNARROW DOWN BY HALF-SPLITTEST: GOOD · SET ASIDEBAD · SPLIT AGAINfault sectionTHEN1 Repair the faulty part2 Retest section and circuit3 Restore, run, confirm status4 Record results, tell ATC
Figure 4. Fault-isolation flowchart for a series circuit: open circuit, earth fault and local fault branches.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Fault isolation flowchart Series circuit troubleshooting Earth fault troubleshooting
01

Symptom

Identify exactly what failed.

02

Pattern

One light, several lights, one circuit or several circuits?

03

Measurement

Electrical and/or photometric verification.

04

Isolation

Determine the affected section.

05

Root cause

Identify why the fault occurred.

06

Corrective action

Repair or replace.

07

Verification

Functional test.

08

Retest

Electrical or photometric test where applicable.

09

Documentation

Record the final result.

ProblemPossible causeFirst checks
One light OFFLamp/LED, transformer, connector, fixtureFixture, secondary circuit, transformer
Multiple lights OFFPrimary circuit, CCR, cable, controlCCR and circuit status
Low intensityContamination, optics, source, currentClean, photometry, electrical check
Intermittent lightConnector, cable, thermal or mechanical issueConnector and circuit test
Circuit tripInsulation fault, cable, transformerIsolation and insulation checks
Repeated transformer failureMoisture, overload, wiring, fixture issueTransformer and secondary circuit
Incorrect PAPI indicationAlignment, optical system, light sourcePAPI geometry and optics
Uneven brightnessSource ageing, optical contamination, electrical conditionVisual and photometric inspection
This page is the entry point to the AGL troubleshooting cluster: runway and taxiway light failure, CCR and current faults, cable, insulation, transformer and connector faults, intermittent and low-intensity lighting, PAPI faults, stop bar and runway guard light faults, control faults and photometric failures.
Special Cases

Maintenance After Impact and After Pavement Works

After impact

Aircraft, vehicles, snowplows, mowing and construction equipment can all damage fixtures. Inspect:

  • Fixture housing, lens, mounting
  • Alignment and cable connection
  • Isolation transformer
  • Foundation and pavement condition

A fixture that stays lit after impact is not automatically unaffected. Alignment and optical performance may have changed while electrical operation stays normal.

After pavement works

Rehabilitation may remove, lower, raise or reinstall in-pavement lights. Verify:

  • Fixture position, elevation, orientation
  • Mechanical seating, drainage and sealing
  • Cable connections and optical condition
  • Photometric performance where required

Especially important for runway centreline, touchdown zone and taxiway centreline lighting.

Records

Documentation, Asset Register and Trending

Maintenance record

A traceable record for every task.

  • Date, area, runway or taxiway, equipment ID and type
  • Task, technician, observed condition, fault
  • Root cause, corrective action, parts replaced
  • Measurements, test and retest result, closure date

Asset register

Links each major component to location and history.

  • Fixture ID, location, type, manufacturer, model
  • Installation date, transformer, connector, circuit, CCR
  • Maintenance, photometric, failure and replacement history

Trending

Patterns that single inspections cannot show.

  • Failures per month, by fixture type, by circuit
  • Transformer, connector and CCR alarm history
  • Photometric degradation, PAPI defects, repeat locations

With a register, the question "Which fixture is this?" becomes: Fixture TW-CN-034, Taxiway B, Circuit 4, Transformer TR-034, previous fault history, last photometric result. Repeated failures in one circuit can point to a common electrical or environmental cause; repeated failures of one fixture type can point to a product, installation or environment problem.

Testing

Electrical Testing and Optical Testing Together

Electrical testing (depending on system)

  • CCR output-current verification, circuit-current checks
  • Insulation-resistance and continuity testing
  • Transformer and connector checks
  • Grounding and bonding verification
  • Control- and monitoring-system checks

Test methods and acceptance values must suit the actual system and the applicable electrical safety requirements.

Optical testing

An electrically healthy fixture may still have low intensity, contamination, damaged optics, incorrect alignment, incorrect colour or degraded beam distribution.

Electrical test + visual inspection + photometry gives a stronger assessment than any one method alone.
Standards

ICAO and FAA Maintenance Guidance

Why a light below half intensity is unserviceable, and why the position of lights out matters.

ICAO SERVICEABILITY LEVEL WHAT COUNTS AS A SERVICEABLE LIGHT, AND HOW MANY MUST BE ONE LIGHT: SERVICEABLE OR NOT 100% as designed 62% still serviceable 38% unserviceable 50% OF SPECIFIED VALUE ONE SYSTEM: WHICH LIGHTS ARE OUT SPREAD APART: GUIDANCE HOLDS 18 of 20 serviceable (90%) SIDE BY SIDE: GUIDANCE LAPSES 18 of 20 serviceable (90%) Same count, different result. Where the outages sit matters as much as how many there are. HOW THE LEVEL IS SET AND HELD Operation served Category, visibility, take-off minima Level required % of lights serviceable, no adjacent outages Maintenance holds it Inspect, clean, replace before it slips SCHEMATIC · ILLUSTRATIVE VALUES · NOT TO SCALE
Figure 5. Serviceability concept: an intensity threshold for each light, and the spread of lights out along a row.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: ICAO serviceability level Minimum serviceable lamp percentages Adjacent lamp-out rule
ICAO

Annex 14 provisions for preventive maintenance of visual aids; guidance on inspection and measurement.

FAA

AC 150/5340-26C: preventive-maintenance schedules and troubleshooting, listed as active.

2023 LETTER

FAA guidance on airport-owned approach lighting systems and visual aids.

LOCAL

National rules, airport procedures, project specifications and manufacturer instructions.

FAA AC 150/5340-26C was issued 20 June 2014, cancels AC 150/5340-26B and includes a Maintenance Log Preparation Guide as Appendix B. It covers series lighting circuits, CCRs, fixtures, signs, PAPI, approach lighting, ALCMS and other visual aids. The FAA 2023 letter notes the importance of trained personnel or suitable contracted services for these systems.

ICAO regional guidance reproducing Annex 14 gives specific serviceability objectives for certain Category I and Category II/III runway lighting elements. Use those figures only with the correct runway category, edition and national implementation. They are not universal AGL maintenance percentages.

ICAO requirements are controlled regulatory requirements. The daily, weekly and monthly schedule on this page is an operational planning framework. Do not treat FAA and ICAO guidance as interchangeable.

References

Safety

Maintenance Safety

AGL maintenance involves electrical hazards, airside vehicle movements and work near operational runways and taxiways. Maintenance must never compromise aircraft operations or personnel safety.

Airside access controlRunway / taxiway statusWork permitsElectrical isolationLockout / tagoutHigh-voltage safetyTest-equipment safetyAirport operations / ATC contactFOD controlWeatherVehicle protection and escort
Keyword Reference

AGL Routine Inspection, Lens Cleaning, Lamp Replacement & Corrective Maintenance

The day-to-day tasks that keep individual lights working.

What each look at the lights is trying to find, in order.

VIEW · FROM FAR TO NEAR start with the whole pattern, finish with the single component WHAT THE EYE LOOKS FOR every look has a defect it is trying to catch LAMP OUT DIM / UNEVEN 1. lit pattern from a distance 2. walk to each marked fixture 3. isolate, then open and look closer GAPS, DIMMING, WRONG COLOUR LIT out, dim, wrong colour, gaps EXTERNAL cracks, dirt, tilt, loose or missing fasteners SURROUNDINGS sealant, covers, water, debris, growth INTERNAL corrosion, damp, heat marks, damaged seals SIX INSPECTION STEPS · IN ORDER 1 PREPARE permit, records, last defects, PPE, radio with ATC 2 LIT VIEW circuit on: judge the pattern from a distance 3 WALK fixtures and signs one by one; note what is visible 4 SURROUNDS pavement, covers, water, debris, vegetation 5 CLOSE LOOK isolated, proved dead: connectors, seals, cable entries 6 RECORD classify, photo, log and raise work orders
Figure 6. Visual inspection sequence: lit view, walk-round, surroundings and a close look once isolated.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Visual inspection sequence Fixture inspection

A dirty lens passes only a weak ray; a clean one gives a bright beam.

LENS CLEANING SAME FIXTURE, SAME SOURCE, DIFFERENT LENS SURFACE DIRTY LENSCLEAN LENS FILM AND DEPOSITS BLOCK AND SCATTER THE LIGHT CLEAR LENS PASSES THE FULL BEAM LENS CLEANING SEQUENCE IsolateCircuit off, locked outLet it coolLamp fixtures run hotRemove loose dirtDry soft brush or clothWipe the lensApproved cleaner, soft clothInspectLens, seal, alignmentRecordCondition and date Never scrape the lens or use abrasive pads or strong solvents on it. SCHEMATIC · LENS MATERIAL AND CLEANING METHOD DIFFER BETWEEN FIXTURES · NOT TO SCALE
Figure 7. Lens cleaning: the effect of dirt on output and six steps to clean safely.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Lens cleaning Fixture cleaning Prism cleaning

A fixture in its base can, the series circuit isolated, and correct versus wrong replacement.

THE LAMP · SECTION same lamp, fresh seal, clean optics THE CIRCUIT · SCHEMATIC isolated first, tested after refit PAVEMENT XFMR PRIMARY CABLE 1 2 3 CCROFF LOCKED OUT FIRST SERIES CIRCUIT FIXTURE LIT AFTER REFIT 4 5 1SAME TYPE AND RATINGlike for like, handled by the base 2SEAL RENEWEDgasket or O-ring replaced, faces clean 3OPTICS CLEANEDlens and reflector cleaned while open 4ISOLATED, LOCKED OUTcircuit proved dead before opening 5TESTED AFTER REFITlamp lit, output and current checked CORRECT REPLACEMENT LIKE FOR LIKE, SEALED, TESTED Safe to work on, full output, dry fixture WRONG REPLACEMENT LIVE, WRONG LAMP, UNSEALED Shock risk, wrong output, water in the fixture SCHEMATIC · NOT TO SCALE · FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 8. Lamp replacement: renew gaskets and seals, isolate the circuit, and check the lamp is lit after refit.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Lamp replacement Lamp Lamp-out behaviour in a series circuit

AGL routine inspection

AGL routine inspection is the regular check of lights, signs, structures and circuits for damage, dirt, misalignment, water ingress and failed units. It is usually done on foot or from a vehicle at set intervals, with findings logged so trends can be seen. Frequency and scope should follow your maintenance plan and the aerodrome's requirements.

Airfield lighting lens cleaning

Airfield lighting lens cleaning removes rubber, dust, oil and grime that reduce light output. Use cleaning methods and agents approved by the fixture manufacturer, and avoid abrasive materials that scratch optical surfaces. Cleaning is often combined with inspection of the seal, gasket and fixture condition.

AGL lamp replacement

AGL lamp replacement means isolating and securing the circuit first, then fitting the correct lamp or LED unit type and rating, checking the seal and gasket, and closing the fixture to the manufacturer's instructions. Never work on an energised series circuit. Record the replacement against the fixture so repeat failures can be identified.

AGL corrective maintenance

AGL corrective maintenance is the repair work done after a fault is found. It starts with locating the fault, then isolating it safely, repairing or replacing the failed part, testing and returning the circuit to service. The cause should be recorded so it can feed preventive planning. See the Preventive, Corrective, Predictive and Emergency section above.

Keyword Reference

Airfield Ground Lighting Preventive Maintenance

Planned work that finds problems before they cause outages, under the three names commonly used for it.

Airfield ground lighting preventive maintenance

Airfield ground lighting preventive maintenance is the planned inspection, cleaning, testing and servicing of the whole AGL system, including fixtures, cables, connectors, isolation transformers and CCRs. The aim is to find ageing and damage before it becomes a failure. See A Repeatable Preventive Maintenance Sequence above.

Airfield lighting preventive maintenance

Airfield lighting preventive maintenance covers the same planned work from the airfield operator's view: scheduled tasks, intervals, responsible staff, records and follow-up. A good programme ties each task to an asset, so nothing is missed and effort goes to the highest-risk equipment.

Airport lighting preventive maintenance

Airport lighting preventive maintenance is the general term for planned care of all airside lighting, including approach, runway, taxiway and PAPI systems. The detailed tasks and intervals should come from the standard you follow and your maintenance plan. See the AGL Maintenance Schedule section above.

Keyword Reference

Reliability, Serviceability, Predictive Maintenance & Spare Parts List

Measuring and protecting how well the system performs over time.

Condition trends reveal a problem early enough to plan the work.

PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE · ACT ON CONDITION, BEFORE FAILURE FORECAST THE FAULT, THEN PLAN THE FIX PLANNED WORK WINDOW GOOD POOR TIME → EQUIPMENT CONDITION ALERT LEVEL FAILURE LEVEL ACTUAL READINGS FORECAST IF NOTHING IS DONE 1 TREND SPOTTED readings drift from normal 2 FIXED ALARM would only fire here 3 REPAIR PLANNED done before failure A FORECAST IS AN ESTIMATE: CHECK IT, KEEP REQUIRED INSPECTIONS, KEEP THE LIGHTING AVAILABLE SCHEMATIC · ILLUSTRATIVE CURVE · NOT TO SCALE · REAL TRENDS VARY
Figure 9. Predictive maintenance: a spotted trend, an alert level, a forecast failure and the planned work window between them.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Predictive maintenance Asset health monitoring Reliability

Six steps from identifying a part to reviewing stock levels.

SPARE-PARTS LIFECYCLE · THE RIGHT PART, IN STOCK, WHEN IT IS NEEDED HOLD WHAT MATTERS · STORE IT WELL · KEEP IT CURRENT 1 IDENTIFY Critical parts listed Failure history used Lead times noted STEP: decide 2 STOCK Quantities agreed Minimum and reorder Approved sources STEP: set 3 STORE Clean, dry, labelled Shelf life tracked Protected from damage STEP: keep 4 ISSUE Against a work order Linked to the asset Stock count updated STEP: use 5 REPLENISH Reorder when low Receive and check Stock record updated STEP: refill 6 REVIEW Ageing and obsolete Needs have changed Adjust or retire STEP: refine USAGE AND REVIEW FEED PLANNING: STOCK LEVELS, PROCUREMENT, LIFECYCLE COST INPUTS ASSET DATA · FAILURE HISTORY · LEAD TIMES · BUDGET What shows which parts are needed OUTPUT PART AVAILABLE · STOCK RECORD · REVIEW Hands over to asset data and cost records POOR SPARES CONTROL: LONG OUTAGES · DEAD STOCK · WRONG PARTS SCHEMATIC · SIMPLIFIED · NOT TO SCALE · STEPS OVERLAP
Figure 10. Spare-parts lifecycle: identify, stock, store, issue, replenish and review.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Spare parts lifecycle Spare part selection

Airfield lighting reliability

Airfield lighting reliability is how consistently the system performs when needed. It depends on design, installation quality, equipment condition and maintenance, and is tracked through failure rates, repeat faults and outage history.

Airfield lighting operational reliability

Airfield lighting operational reliability looks at reliability from the pilot's and operator's side: are the required lights available during operations, and how quickly are faults restored? Higher categories of operation have tighter expectations, so the maintenance response should reflect the category served.

Airfield lighting serviceability

Airfield lighting serviceability is the proportion of lights that are working as required. ICAO Annex 14 sets serviceability expectations by category of operation and type of lighting. Confirm the exact levels in the edition you follow, and record serviceability checks as part of routine inspection.

Airfield lighting predictive maintenance

Airfield lighting predictive maintenance uses condition data to predict failures before they happen. Examples are insulation resistance trends, CCR current and power readings, lamp-out counts, photometric checks and data from the monitoring system. See Periodic Photometry and Condition Monitoring above.

AGL spare parts list

An AGL spare parts list names the items kept in stock so repairs are not delayed. Typical entries are lamps or LED units, isolating transformers, connectors, gaskets and seals, lenses, fasteners and cable repair kits. Quantities should reflect failure history, lead times and how critical each circuit is.

Checklists

Preventive and Corrective Checklists

Plan, brief, isolate, work, restore and record, with permits and locks.

SAFE MAINTENANCE · PLAN, BRIEF, ISOLATE, WORK, RESTORE, CLOSE OUT 1 PLAN Permit & approval 2 BRIEF Team & site ready 3 ISOLATE Lock, tag, prove dead 4 WORK Within the permit 5 RESTORE Test, then energise 6 CLOSE OUT Hand back & record PLAN VIEW · MAINTENANCE ON A SERIES CIRCUIT, FROM THE PERMIT TO THE WORK SITE NEVER OPEN A LIVE SERIES LOOP · ISOLATE AND PROVE DEAD FIRST · A DARK FIXTURE IS NOT A DEAD CIRCUIT PERMIT TO WORK Ops / ATC approval SCOPE · AREA · TIME TOOLBOX BRIEFING PPE · tools · escort · FOD ALL KNOW THE PLAN ISOLATE AT THE CCR Lock · tag · prove dead · earth OWN LOCK, EVERY PERSON 1 2 3 SERIES CIRCUIT LOOP · DEAD ONLY WHILE ISOLATED 4 WORK AREA · TOOLS COUNTED · FOD CONTROLLED 5 RESTORE · TOOLS COUNTED OUT · TESTED · LOCKS REMOVED BY OWNERS · ENERGISE ON AUTHORISED WORD 6 CLOSE OUT · PERMIT HANDED BACK · OPS / ATC TOLD · WORK AND DEFECTS RECORDED SCHEMATIC · STEPS FOLLOW YOUR SITE PROCEDURE, PERMIT TO WORK AND THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 11. Safe maintenance sequence: permit, briefing, isolation at the CCR, controlled work, restoration and record.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Safe maintenance sequence Circuit isolation CCR isolation

Lighting

Failed lights identified
Damaged lenses checked
Optical surfaces cleaned
Fixture alignment checked
Mechanical mounting checked
Water ingress checked
In-pavement fixtures inspected
0 / 0 complete

Electrical

CCR inspected
Current settings checked
Transformers inspected
Connectors inspected
Cable condition reviewed
Electrical measurements completed
Grounding and bonding checked
0 / 0 complete

PAPI

All units operational
Brightness consistent
Optical surfaces clean
Filters and lenses inspected
Mechanical condition checked
Alignment checked
Controls checked
Photometry / calibration completed
0 / 0 complete

Documentation

Asset IDs recorded
Faults recorded
Corrective actions recorded
Parts replaced recorded
Measurements documented
Retests completed
Maintenance record closed
0 / 0 complete

Corrective maintenance: ten steps

01

Identify the symptom

What exactly has failed?

02

Identify the affected area

One fixture, a group, a circuit or the complete system?

03

Check the obvious causes

Visual inspection, connections, contamination and controls.

04

Measure

Applicable electrical or photometric measurements.

05

Isolate

Find the faulty component or circuit section.

06

Repair

Replace, clean, align or repair as appropriate.

07

Test

Perform a functional test.

08

Retest

Electrical or photometric verification where required.

09

Document

Record the cause and corrective action.

10

Monitor

Check whether the fault recurs.

Maintain the whole system, not just the lamp

Preventive inspection, cleaning, electrical testing, photometry, fault diagnosis, corrective maintenance, retesting and documentation work together. PAPI needs particular attention because its function depends on optical performance, geometry and alignment as well as electrical operation.

Test Yourself

Quick Knowledge Check

Q1. A runway light is lit but measures well below its required output. What is the correct first sequence?

A. Replace the fixture immediately
B. Measure, inspect, clean, check alignment, check electrical condition, repair, retest
C. Increase the CCR step permanently
D. Ignore it because it is lit

Q2. Several lights on one circuit are out. Where should the investigation extend beyond the fixtures?

A. Only the lamps
B. The common circuit and upstream equipment such as the CCR, cable and control
C. Only the paint markings
D. Nothing else

Q3. How should the AGL maintenance schedule table be treated?

A. A universal regulatory timetable
B. A planning framework adjusted to authority requirements, conditions and manufacturer instructions
C. Valid only for FAA airports
D. Replaced by lamp life

Q4. Why is photometry valuable for maintenance?

A. It replaces cable testing
B. It detects optical degradation before complete failure
C. It is only for acceptance
D. It checks the foundation

Q5. A light stays lit after a vehicle impact. What is the right conclusion?

A. It is unaffected
B. Alignment and optical performance may still have changed, so inspect and verify
C. Replace the CCR
D. Only repaint the pavement
Explore More

Explore More AGL Engineering

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Handbook

Wider maintenance reference.

Open Maintenance Handbook →
DIAGNOSTICS

AGL Troubleshooting Engine

Symptom-led fault finding.

Open AGL Troubleshooting Engine →
PERFORMANCE

AGL Photometric Testing Guide

Field photometry, measurement and reporting.

Open AGL Photometric Testing Guide →
PERFORMANCE

Runway Lighting Photometry

Intensity, coverage, colour and testing.

Open Runway Lighting Photometry →
PERFORMANCE

Taxiway Lighting Photometry

Edge, centreline, stop bar and guard lights.

Open Taxiway Lighting Photometry →
CIRCUIT

CCR Working Principle

Constant current and series circuits.

Open CCR Working Principle →
COMPONENT

Airport Isolating Transformer

Types, ratings and failure modes.

Open Airport Isolating Transformer →
CIVIL

Junction Boxes & Light Bases

Housings, bases and installation.

Open Junction Boxes & Light Bases →
VISUAL AID

PAPI Alignment & Maintenance

Aiming, testing and maintenance of PAPI.

Open PAPI Alignment & Maintenance →
STANDARDS

ICAO PAPI Requirements

Annex 14 requirements for PAPI.

Open ICAO PAPI Requirements →
INSPECTION

AGL Testing & Inspection

Testing and inspection of AGL systems.

Open AGL Testing & Inspection →
FAILURES

Failure Database

Documented AGL failure modes.

Open Failure Database →
AGL Engineering Hub

Explore the AGL Engineering Knowledge Hub

Fundamentals

Standards & Compliance

Runway, Taxiway & Approach Lighting

Surface Movement & Safety

PAPI

Electrical Engineering & Power

Photometry & Testing

Maintenance, Inspection & Safety

Resources, Documentation & Careers

FAQ

AGL Maintenance FAQ

Q1What is AGL maintenance?

AGL maintenance is the preventive, corrective and periodic work required to keep an Airfield Ground Lighting system operational, reliable and within its applicable performance requirements.

Q2What is preventive maintenance in airport lighting?

Preventive maintenance is planned inspection, cleaning, testing and adjustment intended to prevent failure or degradation.

Q3What is corrective airport lighting maintenance?

Corrective maintenance is the repair or replacement work performed after a lighting component has failed or its performance has degraded.

Q4How often should airport lighting be maintained?

There is no single universal interval for every airport. A maintenance schedule should be established according to applicable authority requirements, airport operating conditions, equipment manufacturer recommendations, system criticality and observed performance.

Q5What should be checked daily?

Typical daily checks can include operational status, failed-light identification, critical visual checks, fault reports and other tasks defined by the airport maintenance programme.

Q6What should be checked monthly?

Typical monthly work can include cleaning, fixture inspection, connector checks, PAPI checks, controls and selected equipment inspections. The precise scope should follow the approved maintenance programme.

Q7Is PAPI included in AGL maintenance?

Yes. PAPI requires its own maintenance procedures covering operation, cleanliness, optical condition, mechanical condition, alignment, controls and, where required, photometric verification.

Q8Why is photometry important in AGL maintenance?

Photometry identifies optical degradation that may not be visible during a simple inspection, including reduced intensity, distribution problems and alignment deficiencies.

Q9What causes intermittent airport lights?

Possible causes include loose connectors, cable problems, transformer faults, mechanical movement, thermal effects and internal fixture faults.

Q10What causes low runway or taxiway light intensity?

Possible causes include contamination, degraded light sources, damaged optics, incorrect current or intensity settings, electrical problems and misalignment.

Q11When should an AGL light be replaced?

Replacement should follow the applicable maintenance criteria and troubleshooting results. A low-performing light should first be assessed for contamination, alignment, electrical problems and other correctable causes before unnecessary replacement.

Q12Why should maintenance records be kept?

Historical records allow the airport to identify recurring failures, monitor degradation, plan corrective work and demonstrate maintenance activities.

Q13Does ICAO specify AGL maintenance requirements?

Yes. ICAO Annex 14 contains provisions for preventive maintenance of visual aids, with further guidance addressing inspection, measurement and serviceability objectives. The exact requirements depend on the applicable edition, runway category and national implementation.

Q14Is FAA airport lighting maintenance guidance available?

Yes. FAA AC 150/5340-26C, Maintenance of Airport Visual Aid Facilities, is listed as active and provides preventive-maintenance and troubleshooting guidance.

Field Insight

Engineering & Expert Notes

Schedule by Risk and Condition, Not Only by Calendar
Planning

Use failure history and operating environment to adjust frequencies. Critical or harsh-environment assets may need more attention.

Trend Test Readings to Catch Slow Degradation
Condition

Insulation resistance and similar readings often decline gradually. Plot them so intervention happens before failure.

Fix the Cause, Not Only the Symptom
Root Cause

Replacing a failed part without understanding why it failed invites repeats. Record the cause found.

Keep Critical Spares Close
Spares

Review spares against failure history and lead times. Waiting weeks for a common part undermines good maintenance.

Share Findings With the Team
Learning

Short debriefs after significant faults help spread knowledge and improve procedures.

Audit the Maintenance System Periodically
Assurance

Check that tasks are done, records are complete and findings are closed. A plan that is not followed gives false confidence.

Precision AGL Academy

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You now understand how Airfield Ground Lighting is kept available and performing — from preventive inspection and electrical testing to photometry, fault diagnosis and records.

Take the next step with Precision AGL Academy.

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Build your knowledge through structured technical learning covering:

AGL Fundamentals Components Electrical Systems Design Photometry Testing Troubleshooting Maintenance

Move from understanding how AGL works to developing the practical knowledge needed to analyse, operate and maintain complete AGL systems.

Understand the system. Build the knowledge. Apply the engineering.