THE AGL ENGINEERING CENTRE by Precision AGL Academy · Surface Movement Guidance

“Follow the Greens” Concept AGL System Explained: Green Taxiway Centreline Lighting, Control & Airport Operations

How selectable green taxiway centreline segments, red stop bars, lighting control and ATC procedure combine into a dynamic visual route for pilots, and what it takes to design, test and maintain one.

Overview

What Is the “Follow the Greens” Concept?

“Follow the Greens” is an advanced airport surface-movement guidance concept in which selectable green taxiway centreline light segments give pilots a visual indication of the cleared taxi route. Instead of relying only on a full set of continuously lit centreline lights plus verbal turn-by-turn instructions, the airport lighting control system illuminates the appropriate green segments along the assigned route.

The illuminated green path acts as a dynamic visual route across the taxiway network. It is a visual guidance aid tied to an approved operational procedure. It is not permission to taxi.

The concept in one chain

ATC clearance

Route and clearance limit

Route selection

Control system / ALCMS

Green centreline

Selected segments lit

Pilot follows route

Signs and lookout continue

Red stop bar

Clearance limit / hold

Operating rules differ between airports. Treat each airport’s published AIP entry and approved procedure as the authority for how its system works.

A cleared route lit in green, with a red stop bar ahead.

PLAN VIEW · FOLLOW-THE-GREENS, ONLY THE ROUTE AHEAD IS LIT RUNWAY CROSSING TAXIWAY X STAND RUNWAY STOP BARRUNWAY STOP BAR CROSSING STOP BARCROSSING STOP BAR LINK BLINK C TAXIWAY Alit only ahead of the aircraft JUNCTIONonly the assigned branch is lit dashed ring: aircraft seen by surveillance
Figure 1. Follow the Greens lights only the cleared route in green and holds traffic at red stop bars.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Follow-the-greens operation Selective Switching of Taxiway Lights Stop Bar Control
Interactive

Route Simulator: What the Pilot Sees

Move the aircraft along the route, switch the system state and toggle the stop bar to see how the guidance changes and what the pilot should do.

Illustrative taxiway network. Drag the slider to move the aircraft along the cleared route.

Teaching model only. The look-ahead length, segment size and layout are illustrative and are not taken from any airport. Real systems set these in the approved design and procedure.
Why It Exists

Why Was “Follow the Greens” Developed?

As airports grow and taxiway networks become more complex, ground movement is harder to manage with static signs, markings and verbal instructions alone. In low visibility or at night the number of cues becomes harder to interpret.

An aircraft may need to navigate

Multiple taxiway intersectionsParallel taxiwaysRunway crossingsRapid-exit taxiwaysHolding positionsComplex apron areasSeveral aircraft routes at once

A dynamic green-light route adds a visual layer that says: “This is the route currently selected for you.” It is most valuable where the airport has an integrated surface-movement control system.

Basic Principle

The Building Blocks of a Follow the Greens System

Green taxiway centreline lights

Provide the directional visual path.

Red stop bars

Control where an aircraft must stop and give a strong stop/hold indication.

Taxiway lighting control system

Decides which centreline segments are illuminated.

Ground surveillance / position data

In some implementations, aircraft position decides which segments are active.

ATC

The controller authorizes and manages the movement route.

Signs and markings

Remain part of the pilot’s positional awareness.

Simplified architecture

ATC

Clearance

Control panel / ALCMS

Taxiway lighting control

Route logic

Segment selection

Green segments + stop bars

Field lighting

Pilot

Visual guidance

Aircraft-position-driven control of the next stretch of route is an airport-specific implementation detail, not a universal Follow the Greens requirement.

Switching taxiway centreline lights section by section.

PLAN VIEW · ONE AIRCRAFT, ONE CLEARED ROUTE RUNWAY APRON S1 · PASSED · OFF S2 · ROUTE · LIT E1 · NOT USED · OFF S3 · ROUTE · LIT STOP BAR · ON S4 · BEYOND BAR · OFF B1 · NOT USED OFF AIRFIELD LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM · ROUTE LOGIC · EACH SECTION SWITCHED ON ITS OWN S1 OFF · PASSED S2 ON · ROUTE S3 ON · ROUTE STOP BAR ON · HOLD S4 OFF · BEYOND BAR B1 OFF · NOT USED E1 OFF · NOT USED ROUTE LIT UP TO THE STOP BAR · OTHER SECTIONS OFF · NEXT SECTION LIGHTS WHEN THE BAR IS CLEARED
Figure 2. Segmented circuits and a switching unit for each section are what make a route selectable.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Selective Switching of Taxiway Lights ALCMS-to-Taxiway Taxiway Centreline Configuration
Operation

How Follow the Greens Works

01

Aircraft requests or receives taxi clearance

The pilot communicates with ATC, and ATC establishes the intended route and clearance limit.

02

ATC selects the route

The controller or surface-movement control system selects the relevant taxi route.

03

Green centreline segments illuminate

The centreline lighting system activates the appropriate sections of green taxiway centreline lights.

04

Pilot follows the green path

The pilot uses the lights for direction while keeping watch on markings, signs, the clearance, stop bars, other traffic and ATC instructions.

05

Previously used segments are extinguished

As the aircraft progresses, some implementations switch off lighting behind it and light new sections ahead.

06

Stop bars control crossing points

At protected holding positions red stop bars can stay on until ATC authorizes the aircraft to proceed.

ATC

Phraseology and Why It Does Not Replace ATC

Phraseology

Where an airport has an approved procedure, “FOLLOW THE GREENS” becomes part of the taxi instruction, normally together with a clearance limit. Published procedures give worked examples of route instructions that include both.

Guidance vs clearance

The lights provide directional guidance. ATC provides operational clearance and control. The pilot stays responsible for the clearance, wingtip clearance and other hazards.

Dynamic lighting is guidance, not an autonomous replacement for operational control.
Published Implementations

What Airports Have Published

AirportWhat the published material describesNotes
Dubai International (OMDB)Taxiing guidance using stop bars and selectable segments of green centreline lights. Position data from a ground-surveillance system controls roughly the next 300 m of selected green lighting. Guidance lights lead to runway holding positions, and red stop bars are normally on unless the tower controller deselects them. Guidance is for night and low visibility, and not only then.The 300 m figure is an airport-specific detail. Based on the published OMDB AIP as cited in the source material; confirm against the current AIRAC edition.
Singapore Changi (WSSS)AIP Supplement 117/2026, effective 6 August 2026, gives pilots dedicated visual guidance while taxiing at night and in low visibility. ATC uses the phraseology with a verbal clearance limit. Pilots do not taxi ahead if there are no green lights or a red stop bar is lit. If routes are ambiguous or several green segments are visible, pilots stop and seek confirmation. The procedure is not available on runways or rapid-exit taxiways.Checked against the published supplement. It follows an earlier supplement (052/2026) effective 19 March 2026.
Indian aerodromes (e.g. Cochin, Hyderabad)AAI eAIP entries show green centreline lighting already in use, such as inset bidirectional green centreline lights and unidirectional green lights on rapid-exit taxiways. Other entries show alternate-colour and CAT III centreline arrangements.Green centreline lighting is not the same as a Follow the Greens procedure. Whether a given airport runs the full procedure needs separate confirmation in its AIP and operational documents.
Procedures and AIRAC data change. Always confirm the current published entry for the airport you are working on.
Comparison

Follow the Greens vs Conventional Taxiway Lighting

Conventional taxiway guidanceFollow the Greens
Static lighting arrangementDynamically selected lighting route
Pilot interprets the full taxiway networkSelected route is visually emphasized
Heavy reliance on signs, markings and verbal routingATC plus a dynamic green route
Centreline may stay continuously litSelected segments can be controlled
Limited route-specific indicationRoute-specific visual indication
Less integratedClosely integrated with surface movement control
Follow the Greens does not remove signs and markings. Published procedures advise pilots to keep using them for positional awareness.

Green centreline lighting

A physical lighting characteristic.

Follow the Greens

An operational and control concept that uses selected green centreline lighting to give dynamic route guidance.

The two terms are not interchangeable. An airport can have green taxiway centreline lights without a Follow the Greens procedure.

The same taxiway, lit two ways.

CONVENTIONAL VS FOLLOW THE GREENS · PLAN VIEW OF THE SAME TAXIWAYCONVENTIONAL · WHOLE CENTRELINE LITEvery centreline light is on. The pilot reads the route from signs, markings and ATC.route read from signsFOLLOW THE GREENS · ONLY THE CLEARED ROUTE LITSTOP BARSelected segments are green up to the stop bar. The rest stays off.aircraft route →SCHEMATIC · FOLLOW THE GREENS DOES NOT REMOVE SIGNS AND MARKINGS · PILOTS KEEP USING THEM
Figure 3. Conventional guidance lights the whole centreline. Follow the Greens lights only the cleared route.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Follow-the-greens operation Taxiway Centreline Lights
Stop Bars

Green Guidance, Red Stop Bars and Interlocking

Green = follow the route

The selected green path shows where to go.

Red stop bar = stop

At protected runway entries or holding positions the stop bar is a stronger control indication than continuing along a green route. Pilots do not proceed past an illuminated red stop bar, or when there are no green lights ahead after being told to follow the greens. Exact rules come from the airport’s approved procedure.

Typical interlocking logic

Route selected

Command accepted

Green guidance active

Segments lit

Approaching holding point

Position known

Stop bar status checked

Interlock

ATC authorization

Controller action

Stop bar off, route continues

As approved

A route command should never simply switch lights on without considering protected crossings. The exact interlocking logic must be developed and validated as part of the airport’s approved system design.

How stop bars are switched with the cleared route.

RUNWAY STOP BAR · RED · ON CENTRELINE · OFF HOLDS SHORT 1 · STOP BAR ON — HOLD RUNWAY STOP BAR · OFF CENTRELINE · GREEN CLEARED TO CROSS 2 · STOP BAR OFF — PROCEED ATCCLEARS ATC CONTROLLERTOWER PANEL · A-SMGCSSENDS ON / OFF COMMAND ALCMSINTERLOCK LOGICLINKS BAR TO CENTRELINE FIELD CONTROLLERSWITCHING UNITSWITCHES THE RIGHT BAR STOP BAR CIRCUITSEPARATELY SWITCHEDFEEDS ONE BAR ONLY LIGHTS ON TAXIWAYBAR + CENTRELINEPILOT SEES THE RESULT STATUS FEEDBACK · BAR LIT OR OFF · LAMP FAULTS → CONTROLLER DEFAULT: BAR ON, CENTRELINE OFF · CLEARANCE SWAPS THEM · BAR RETURNS AFTER CROSSING
Figure 4. Green route and red stop bar are interlocked, so a route cannot be lit through a lit stop bar.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Stop Bar Control Stop Bar Lights Stop Bar Monitoring
Architecture

Follow the Greens System Architecture

Representative architecture. An advanced system may add: aircraft position → surface surveillance → route control logic.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ALCMS / ILCMS / Tower panel Route selection logic Aircraft positionSurface surveillance (optional) Green centreline segments Red stop bars AGL field network CCR → primary cable Isolating transformers Feedback / monitoring

The field lighting is still ordinary AGL electrical infrastructure. Where a series circuit is used: CCR → primary AGL cable → isolating transformer → light. The control system chooses which segments or circuits are active, while the CCR keeps the electrical conditions the circuit needs. A Follow the Greens project therefore covers lighting, electrical, control, communication, surveillance and operational procedures, not software alone.

Control Systems

ALCMS, Surveillance, A-SMGCS and the Controller Interface

A conventional ALCMS monitors

  • CCR status
  • Lamp circuits
  • Alarms
  • Lighting switching
  • Brightness

A Follow the Greens system may also manage

  • Route objects and taxiway segments
  • Route conflicts
  • Stop-bar states
  • Position-based activation and extinguishing
  • Controller commands and route progress
  • Event history

Ground surveillance

Aircraft position can feed route logic: aircraft position → route logic → lighting command → green segment selection. The lighting then responds to the aircraft’s progress rather than being only a static layer. Not every implementation needs this.

Place in A-SMGCS

Follow the Greens can be one layer of an A-SMGCS architecture: surveillance detects where traffic is, routing and control set the approved route, lighting shows it, and ATC monitors compliance. Automation varies widely between airports.

Controller HMI

Poor HMI design can undermine a capable system. The controller should quickly see: which route is active, which aircraft it belongs to, where the aircraft is, which stop bar is active and whether any part of the route is unavailable. Useful displays include the ground map, active aircraft, selected route, green-light and stop-bar status, clearance limit, and fault, communication and surveillance status.

How surface surveillance and lighting control work together.

PLAN VIEW · TAXI ROUTE FROM STAND TO RUNWAY RUNWAY TAXIWAY B (CROSSING) STAND RUNWAY HOLDING POSITIONred stop bar, extinguished only by ATC clearance INTERMEDIATE HOLDING POSITION LIGHTSthree yellow lights, short of the crossing taxiway TAXIWAY Agreen centreline, switched by segment dashed ring: aircraft seen by surveillance (A-SMGCS)
Figure 5. Surveillance tells the system where traffic is, and the ALCMS turns that into lit routes and stop bars.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: SMGCS and A-SMGCS lighting Surface Movement Radar Vehicle Detection Sensor
Antenna system of an ASR-9 airport surveillance radar with a parabolic primary radar dish and a rectangular secondary radar antenna on top
Photo 1. An ASR-9 airport surveillance radar antenna. This is a terminal-area radar, not the surface movement radar used on the airfield, but it shows the kind of surveillance sensor whose data feeds route control.Credit: FAA. Public domain (US Government work). Wikimedia Commons
Design

Segmentation, Intersections, LED Fittings, Cabling and Civil Works

Network segmentation

The centreline network is divided into logical segments, for example Segment 01 → 02 → 03 → 04. Each segment ties to a location, circuit, light fittings, a control address, a route function and status monitoring. This builds a digital representation of the physical airfield.

Complex intersections

With conventional lighting several visual paths may appear at once. Dynamic route selection can light only the intended route. Route lighting must be designed so that conflicting routes are never displayed in a confusing way.

LED centreline fittings

LED fittings suit dynamic architectures because they can offer fast, controllable switching and monitoring features, depending on the equipment. Select on complete project requirements, not on the nominal LED technology.

Cabling and circuits

Dynamic routing may need more carefully engineered segmentation than a conventional circuit. Study circuit loading, cable topology, transformer allocation, isolation, redundancy, fault propagation and maintainability.

Civil works

Inset fixture installation, ducting, cable trenches, chambers, transformer housings, junction boxes, foundations, drainage and pavement reinstatement all still apply. A sophisticated control system cannot make up for badly positioned field equipment.

Lighting at a taxiway intersection.

TAXIWAY / TAXIWAY INTERSECTION DIRECTION OF TAXI CLEARANCE BAR 3+ FIXTURES · YELLOW · ACROSS CENTRELINE SITED AT SUFFICIENT DISTANCE FROM THE INTERSECTION EDGE LIGHTS TRACE THE CORNER RADIUS CENTRELINE CURVES THROUGH SPACING STEPS DOWN TO 7.5 M SCHEMATIC VIEW OF A TAXIWAY/TAXIWAY INTERSECTION · FIXTURE COUNT, CURVE RADIUS, AND SPACING ILLUSTRATIVE · NOT TO SCALE
Figure 6. Intersections set where route segments start and stop, so they drive the segmentation design.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Taxiway Intersection Lighting Runway Intersection Lighting Intermediate Holding-Position Lights
Operations

Low Visibility, Pilot Responsibilities and Signs

Low visibility

Fog, reduced RVR, complex geometry and simultaneous movements make ground movement harder. The system is an added layer of routing and guidance, not simply brighter taxiway lights.

Pilot responsibilities

Keep a careful lookout and remain responsible for wingtip clearance. Do not continue if there are no green lights ahead or a red stop bar is lit. Do not go beyond the verbal clearance limit without ATC approval.

Signs and markings

Green lights tell the pilot “follow this route”. Signs help answer “where am I?”. Both functions stay valuable, and published procedures advise using signs and markings alongside the lights.

Airport safety context

A dynamic taxiway guidance system is part of the airport's overall surface safety architecture. It should work coherently with ATC, runway holding positions, stop bars, taxiway signs, pavement markings, runway guard lights, A-SMGCS where applicable, low-visibility procedures, vehicle movement control and emergency procedures. The green route should never be considered independently of the rest of the airfield environment.

How the lighting configuration changes under low visibility procedures.

PLAN VIEW · AIRCRAFT LANDING FROM THE LEFT APPROACH · 900 m150 m crossbar + red side rows TOUCHDOWN ZONEwhite barrettes, first 900 m RUNWAY CENTRELINEwhite, then alternate red/white, then red EDGE CAUTION ZONEyellow, last 600 m STOP BAR + GUARD LIGHTSyellow pair each side, flashing alternately Interlock: green lights beyonda lit stop bar go OFF SELECTIVE TAXIWAYCENTRELINE ROUTE HOW THE CONFIGURATION IS CALLED UP ATC declares LVPphase + RVR reading ALCMS LVP modepreset scenes + interlocks CCR stepsset from the RVR step table Lights respondstop bars, centreline, approach
Figure 7. Low visibility procedures change which lights are on, so Follow the Greens has to work with them.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Low-visibility procedures (LVP) lighting configuration Mode Changeover Sequence (Normal to LVP and Back) RVR-to-intensity-step control
Failure Modes

Follow the Greens Failure Modes

Click a failure to see what to investigate.

No green lights ahead

Do not assume the route is still active. Check:

  • Published stopping and ATC-query provisions
  • Route cancelled or timed out
  • Segment or circuit failure
  • Control or communication fault
  • Surveillance data lost

Red stop bar remains ON

The aircraft does not proceed unless the approved procedure covers it. Check:

  • ATC authorization status
  • Interlock state
  • Stop-bar control fault
  • Communication with field controller

Wrong route illuminated

A potentially serious control issue needing immediate investigation:

  • Route logic or data error
  • Wrong segment addressing
  • Operator selection error
  • Conflicting route requests

Multiple green paths

Ambiguity is a safety issue, not a minor lighting fault:

  • Overlapping route segments
  • Late extinguishing behind aircraft
  • Two routes requested together
  • Pilot stops and seeks confirmation

Communication failure

The field lighting may need to revert to a defined safe state:

  • Network or switch failure
  • Field controller offline
  • Fallback state defined and tested

Surveillance failure

The system needs an approved response to loss of position data:

  • Sensor or data-link loss
  • Track loss or false track
  • Fallback to manual route control

CCR failure

Affected lighting segments may become unavailable:

  • CCR trip or open circuit
  • Circuit loading problem
  • Segment-to-circuit mapping
  • Standby or alternative circuit

Control system failure

Operational procedures should define the fallback method:

  • Server or processor fault
  • Single point of failure
  • Revert to verbal taxi instructions
  • Event logging for investigation

Fail-safe design questions

1

What if a light fails?

Define the effect on the route indication.

2

What if a stop bar fails?

Define the safe state and the pilot indication.

3

What if communications fail?

Define the safe state of the field lighting.

4

What if surveillance is lost?

Define the approved response.

5

What if two routes are requested?

Define priority and conflict handling.

6

What if the controller cancels a route?

Define what the pilot sees.

7

What does the pilot see in degradation?

Define the indication during partial failure.

8

Is redundancy adequate?

Cover power, processors, links, switches, field controllers and surveillance inputs.

Redundancy matters because a failure here can affect more than one light. It can affect the route-generation function. The level of redundancy should follow the operational role and airport requirements.

What happens when the control system fails.

ALCMS FAILURE FLOW · DETECT, HOLD, TELL, REPAIRFAILURE OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONALARM RAISED AT THE CONTROL POSITIONSERVER FAILSlive server downSTANDBY TAKES OVERduplicate serverREMOTE CONTROL KEPTalarm raised for repairNETWORK PATH LOSTone of two pathsDATA USES OTHER PATHsecond path carries trafficREMOTE CONTROL KEPTalarm raised for repairFIELD CONTROLLER LOSTPLC, I/O or its linkCCRs HOLD LAST STATEno remote commandsUSE LOCAL CONTROLat the substation or CCRCCR OR CIRCUIT FAULTtrip or open circuitALARM, CIRCUIT AFFECTEDthat circuit may go darkISOLATE & REPAIRper airport procedureTHEN, IN EVERY CASE1 TELL ATCreport the failure2 SECURE LIGHTINGlocal control if needed3 REPAIR & TESTauthorised engineers4 RETURN TO REMOTEstatus confirmed firstKEY POINTCHECK STATUS AT THE CCR OR IN THE FIELD, NOT JUST ON THE SCREENSCHEMATIC · BEHAVIOUR VARIES BY SYSTEM DESIGN AND FAIL-SAFE SETTINGS · NOT TO SCALE
Figure 8. Failure handling decides whether lights fall back to a safe state, not whether they fail.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: ALCMS Failure Flow Stop Bar Monitoring ALCMS Troubleshooting Flow
Testing

Testing and Commissioning

A complete programme tests the system in layers. The aim is to learn what the system does when something goes wrong, not only when everything works.

01

Field equipment test

Centreline light and stop-bar operation, fixture orientation, physical condition and electrical connections.

02

Electrical test

Cable condition, insulation, transformers, CCR operation, circuit loading and earthing.

03

Control test

Individual segment commands, route activation, extinguishing, status feedback and alarms.

04

Interlocking test

Stop-bar logic, holding-position protection, conflicting routes, route cancellation and fail-safe behaviour.

05

Surveillance integration test

Where applicable: aircraft position, route tracking, automatic activation and extinguishing, and position-data failure behaviour.

06

Operational test

Approved operating scenarios with ATC and airport stakeholders.

07

Photometric test

Verify the optical performance of the installed lighting.

08

Failure mode test

Deliberately test communication, field-light, control-panel, surveillance, power and stop-bar failures and route conflicts.

Photometry

Photometry and the Wider Test Programme

Dynamic route selection does not remove the need to verify the optical performance of the underlying lights. Testing may cover intensity, colour, aiming, coverage, configuration, light-unit operation and selected-route performance. This matters most where a large number of centreline fittings is installed as a controllable network.

Useful workflow

Green centreline installation

Electrical testing

Functional control test

Route / interlock testing

Photometric testing

Corrective action

Retest

Operational acceptance

Maintenance

Follow the Greens Maintenance

The airport maintains physical AGL infrastructure and dynamic control logic together.

Lighting

  • Clean fixtures
  • Inspect lenses
  • Replace defective fittings
  • Inspect transformers
  • Inspect connectors

Electrical

  • Test circuits
  • Inspect insulation
  • Verify CCRs
  • Inspect field wiring

Control

  • Test route commands
  • Verify feedback
  • Test controller interfaces
  • Inspect communications

Operational

  • Validate route scenarios
  • Test stop-bar interaction
  • Test abnormal conditions

Photometry

  • Measure optical performance
  • Identify deteriorating fittings
  • Retest after repairs
India

Follow the Greens in India

India already has extensive green taxiway centreline lighting. Current AAI eAIP material documents inset bidirectional green centreline lights at Cochin, and unidirectional green lights on rapid-exit taxiways at Hyderabad. The engineering question is therefore not “can green centreline lights be installed?” It is whether the rest of the system can support dynamic routing.

Questions for an Indian airport to answer

1

Can the AGL network be segmented?

Existing circuits may be too coarse.

2

Can the ALCMS control individual routes?

Check what the current system can command.

3

Can stop bars be interlocked?

Review the control architecture.

4

Is reliable surveillance available?

Aircraft and vehicle position data.

5

Can the procedure be approved?

Agreement with ATC and the relevant authorities.

6

Can the whole system be tested and maintained?

Plan for the full life cycle.

Existing airports (retrofit)

A retrofit can be significantly more complex than a new installation.

  • Old or shared AGL circuits
  • Legacy CCRs and limited segmentation
  • Existing stop bars and mixed LED / conventional fittings
  • Legacy control panels and incomplete monitoring
  • Outdated cable layouts

New airports (greenfield)

Greenfield offers more flexibility and is generally easier than adding routing logic to a legacy network.

  • Digital taxiway map with AGL segmentation
  • ALCMS, surveillance and stop-bar interlocking designed together
  • CCR allocation, circuit topology and communication redundancy
  • Power supply, failure modes, manual fallback, maintenance access

Pre-implementation engineering audit

AGL network: map all centreline circuitsControl system: what the ALCMS can controlStop bars: interlocking and controlSurveillance: position-data integrationCommunications: network and field linksElectrical: CCR capacity, segmentation, transformersOperations: confirm concept with ATC and authorities
Project Delivery

Requirements, Work Packages and Roles

Review before implementing

  • Airfield: taxiways, crossings, holding positions, centreline lights, stop bars, signs
  • Electrical: CCRs, circuits, transformers, cables, power redundancy
  • Control: ALCMS, field controllers, networks, route logic, HMI
  • Surveillance: aircraft and vehicle position, accuracy, availability
  • Operations: ATC and low-visibility procedures, clearance limits, degraded modes
  • Testing: FAT, SAT, integrated, photometry, failure-mode and operational validation
EPC work packageScope
CivilFoundations, ducts, chambers, pavement works
AGLCentreline lights, stop bars, fittings
ElectricalCCR, transformers, primary circuit, secondary connections
ControlALCMS/ILCMS, PLC/RTU, field controllers, HMI
NetworkCommunication infrastructure
SurveillancePosition-data integration where required
TestingElectrical, functional, control, interlock, photometric
CommissioningIntegrated operational testing
Treating Follow the Greens as only a taxiway-light supply package is a common mistake.

Consultant role

Prepare or review the concept of operations, taxiway segmentation, lighting layout, route logic, control architecture, stop-bar interlocking, specifications, communication and surveillance interfaces, fail-safe philosophy, test procedures, acceptance criteria and maintenance philosophy. The key task is defining the boundary between lighting engineering and operational surface-movement control.

Contractor capability

AGL installation, CCR, cabling, stop bars, centreline lights, ALCMS, testing, photometry and commissioning, plus airside construction constraints, closures, work permits, safety controls and coordination with airport operations.

Service scope along the project

Taxiway lighting designGreen centreline segmentationStop-bar integrationALCMS/ILCMS integrationRoute-control logicElectrical integrationInstallationTestingPhotometryCommissioningMaintenance
Workflow

Recommended Engineering Workflow

01

Airport survey

Map existing taxiway and lighting assets.

02

Operational study

Understand taxi routes and movement requirements.

03

Lighting design

Develop centreline and stop-bar configuration.

04

Circuit design

Create electrically controllable segments.

05

Control architecture

Design ALCMS/ILCMS and field-control interfaces.

06

Surveillance integration

Define the positional-data interface where required.

07

Safety logic

Develop route and stop-bar interlocking.

08

Installation

Execute civil, electrical and AGL works.

09

FAT

Test control and field equipment before deployment as appropriate.

10

SAT

Verify installed equipment.

11

Integrated testing

Test actual route-selection scenarios.

12

Photometry

Verify lighting performance.

13

Operational trials

Controlled airport trials.

14

Handover

Software, drawings, test results, procedures and maintenance documentation.

From survey to handover.

14 STEPS · FIVE PHASES · FROM SURVEY TO HANDOVERSTUDY01 Airport survey02 Operational studyDESIGN03 Lighting design04 Circuit design05 Control architecture06 Surveillance interface07 Safety logicBUILD08 InstallationTEST09 FAT10 SAT11 Integrated testing12 PhotometryOPERATE13 Operational trials14 HandoverSCHEMATIC · STEP NAMES FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED ENGINEERING WORKFLOW ON THIS PAGE
Figure 9. The 14-step workflow grouped into study, design, build, test and operate.
AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Commissioning Sequence ALCMS-to-Taxiway
Assessment

Benefits and Limitations

Benefits (when properly designed and approved)

  • Improved route visibility
  • Reduced route ambiguity
  • Better support for complex taxiway layouts
  • Low-visibility support
  • Better integration with ATC
  • Active route distinguished from inactive routes
  • Lighting becomes an operational tool, not only infrastructure

Limitations

  • Cannot replace ATC clearance, pilot lookout, signs, markings, surveillance or approved procedures
  • Adds dependencies: control, communications, surveillance, field lighting, power and procedures
  • A failure in any critical part can affect the guidance function
  • Changi’s procedure, for example, keeps verbal clearance limits and normal positional awareness
Actual benefits depend heavily on system design, airport procedures, traffic characteristics and operational implementation.
Checklists

Follow the Greens Project Checklist

Click an item to mark it complete.

Concept and design

Operational concept agreed with ATC
Procedure and phraseology approved
Taxiway network and holding positions reviewed
Centreline segmentation defined
Stop-bar interlocking logic defined
Fail-safe and fallback states defined
0 / 6 complete

Installation and testing

Field equipment tested
Electrical tests completed
Segment commands and feedback verified
Interlocking and route-conflict tests passed
Surveillance integration tested where used
Photometric test completed
Failure modes tested
0 / 7 complete

Handover

Operational trials completed
Software and configuration delivered
Drawings and test results delivered
Procedures and training delivered
Maintenance documentation delivered
0 / 5 complete
Final Engineering Perspective

Traditional AGL lights the taxiway. Follow the Greens uses controlled green centreline lighting to show the selected route. Treat it as an integrated lighting, control and operational-safety project, not a green-light replacement.

Select. Guide. Interlock. Verify.

Test Yourself

Quick Knowledge Check

Q1. What is the main difference between green centreline lighting and Follow the Greens?

A. They are the same thing
B. Green centreline is a physical light; Follow the Greens is an operational and control concept that uses selected lights
C. Follow the Greens uses red lights only
D. Green centreline needs ATC, Follow the Greens does not

Q2. Do the green lights replace ATC clearance?

A. Yes, they are unrestricted permission
B. No, they are guidance; ATC provides clearance and control
C. Only at night
D. Only with surveillance

Q3. A pilot told to follow the greens sees no green lights ahead. What should happen?

A. Continue at the same speed
B. Turn onto the nearest taxiway
C. Do not continue taxiing; stop and query ATC
D. Cross the next stop bar

Q4. Why is stop-bar interlocking important?

A. A route command should not light guidance without considering protected crossings
B. It makes lights brighter
C. It removes the need for signs
D. It replaces the CCR

Q5. Does Follow the Greens remove the need for photometric testing?

A. Yes
B. Only for LED fittings
C. No, the underlying lights still need optical verification
D. Only after five years
Explore More

Explore More AGL Engineering

SYSTEM

Taxiway Lighting Systems

Taxiway lighting layouts and functions.

Open Taxiway Lighting Systems →
SYSTEM

Runway Guard Lights & Stop Bars

Holding position lighting.

Open Runway Guard Lights & Stop Bars →
SAFETY

Runway Incursion Prevention & SMGCS

Surface movement guidance and control.

Open Runway Incursion Prevention & SMGCS →
CONTROL

ALCMS

Airfield lighting control and monitoring.

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FIELD GUIDE

Taxiway Lighting Photometry

Intensity, colour and alignment testing.

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FUNDAMENTALS

How Airfield Lighting Works

The full AGL system explained.

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STANDARDS

ICAO Aerodrome Lighting Requirements

Framework, requirements and guidance.

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ELECTRICAL

CCR Working Principle

Constant current regulators and series circuits.

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COMPONENTS

AGL Components

The components of an AGL system.

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MAINTENANCE

AGL Preventive Maintenance Guide

Maintenance cycles and checks.

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TESTING

Testing & Commissioning Guide

Test and commission AGL systems.

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GUIDANCE

Taxiway Guidance Signs

Signs that support route awareness.

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INDIA

AGL Photometry India

In-field photometric testing for Indian airports.

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INDIA

AGL Consultant India

AGL design, specification and technical review.

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INDIA

AGL Contractor India

AGL installation, testing and commissioning.

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INDIA

Airport Lighting Companies India

Company types across the Indian AGL market.

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INDIA

Airfield Ground Lighting in India

The India AGL knowledge hub.

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Guide the Route. Verify the System.

From green centreline segmentation and stop-bar interlocking to integrated testing and photometry, explore the complete AGL knowledge base.

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

Follow the Greens FAQ

Q1What does “Follow the Greens” mean at an airport?

It is an operational surface-guidance concept in which selected green taxiway centreline light segments are illuminated to give pilots visual guidance along an ATC-cleared taxi route.

Q2Are Follow the Greens and green taxiway centreline lights the same thing?

No. Green centreline lights are the physical visual aid. Follow the Greens is an operational and control concept that dynamically selects and uses those lights.

Q3Does Follow the Greens replace ATC instructions?

No. It works with ATC clearance and an approved procedure. Published airport procedures keep clearance limits and other ATC controls.

Q4Does Follow the Greens work only in low visibility?

Not necessarily. Dubai’s published procedure says its system can provide guidance during, but not only during, low visibility. Singapore Changi’s procedure applies to night operations and periods of low visibility.

Q5What colour are the route lights?

The route indication uses green taxiway centreline lights.

Q6What happens at a runway holding position?

The route generally ends at the protected holding position, where red stop-bar lighting and ATC authorization form part of the control concept. Exact logic depends on the airport’s approved system.

Q7Does the system need aircraft surveillance?

Not in every implementation. Advanced implementations can use aircraft position information to manage the illuminated route automatically, as Dubai’s published system does with ground-surveillance data.

Q8Is Follow the Greens available in India?

India has extensive green taxiway centreline lighting, documented in AAI eAIP material for airports including Cochin and Hyderabad. Whether a particular airport runs a full Follow the Greens procedure needs separate confirmation from its published aeronautical information and approved operational documents.

Q9Does Follow the Greens need ALCMS?

A dynamic implementation needs a control architecture that can select and monitor the required lighting segments. The platform may be an ALCMS, an ILCMS or an integrated surface-movement lighting-control architecture.

Q10Does Follow the Greens require photometric testing?

The underlying taxiway lighting still needs optical performance verification. Dynamic control does not remove the need for AGL testing, inspection and photometry.

Q11What should a pilot do if there are no green lights ahead?

Do not continue taxiing on the assumption the route is still active. Published procedures tell pilots to stop and query ATC.

Q12What if several green segments are visible?

Treat it as ambiguity. Changi’s published procedure tells pilots to stop and seek confirmation before taxiing further.

Field Insight

Engineering & Expert Notes

Guidance Depends on Correct Routing Data
Routing

Check route definitions and segment configuration, as errors can lead aircraft along the wrong path.

Stop Bars Remain the Control Layer
Stop Bars

Green guidance does not replace clearance. Confirm that red stop bars and procedures interlock correctly.

Test the Whole Chain
Integration

Verify the link from control to lighting segments to what the pilot sees, including degraded modes.

Check Visibility in Low Visibility Conditions
Visibility

Confirm that the system is usable by flight crews at the intended visibility and spacing.

Plan Failure Responses
Failure Modes

Decide in advance what happens when segments fail or data is lost, and brief staff.

Train Controllers and Crews Together
Training

The concept relies on shared understanding. Include phraseology and procedures in training.

Precision AGL Academy

Understand AGL. Build Your Engineering Skills.

You now understand how Follow the Greens combines green centreline lighting, stop bars, control logic and ATC procedure into dynamic route guidance.

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AGL Fundamentals Components Electrical Systems Design Photometry Testing Troubleshooting Maintenance

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