PAPI, APAPI & Visual Guidance Forms
The 25 forms that make up the master record layer for PAPI, APAPI and other visual approach guidance systems — covering their complete lifecycle from installation and alignment through elevation/azimuth geometry, electrical testing, photometry, functional testing, acceptance, maintenance, fault investigation, performance monitoring and annual review. This division integrates with Division 05 — Inspection, Division 06 — Testing, Division 09 — Troubleshooting & Failure Investigation, Division 11 — Asset Management, Division 14 — Calibration & Measurement, and Division 15 — Photometry.
Where this fits — Division 04 proves a PAPI/APAPI unit went into the ground correctly; this division owns everything that happens to it afterward — alignment, elevation, azimuth, electrical and photometric testing, functional testing, acceptance, maintenance, fault investigation and the annual review that decides whether the asset continues in service. Every record here should trace back to a single Asset ID (VG-21) and forward into the reliability and lifecycle decisions in the Annual Review (VG-25).
A · PAPI Installation & Inspection
2 of 2 formsVG-01 PAPI Installation Record Record
Purpose
To document the complete physical installation of a PAPI system.
Key Fields
- Airport / Runway / Runway direction
- PAPI location / PAPI side
- Project/reference number / Installation date / Drawing reference
- PAPI manufacturer, model, serial number, unit/box identification
- Number of units / Light source / Power supply / Isolation transformer / Associated circuit
- Foundation/base condition, mounting, unit spacing, orientation
- Elevation, azimuth, mechanical stability
- Cable connection, earthing, connector condition, identification labels
- Final status: Installed / Not Accepted / Rectification Required
VG-02 PAPI Inspection Checklist Checklist
Purpose
To provide routine physical and operational inspection of installed PAPI equipment.
Key Fields
- Housing, optical window/lens, mounting, foundation
- Protective components, corrosion, water/moisture ingress
- Physical damage, cleanliness
- Cable, connector, transformer, earthing, power supply, circuit identification
- Light output, colour appearance, beam condition
- Alignment indication, unit-to-unit consistency
- Status: Satisfactory / Defect Identified / Immediate Action Required
B · PAPI Alignment & Geometry
3 of 3 formsVG-03 PAPI Alignment Record Record
Purpose
To record the alignment condition of the PAPI system.
Key Fields
- Runway / PAPI side / Unit identification
- Reference alignment / Actual alignment / Alignment deviation
- Acceptance requirement
- Unit orientation, beam direction, mechanical position
- Reference line, alignment equipment
- Result: Aligned / Adjustment Required
VG-04 PAPI Elevation Record Record
Purpose
To document the elevation/vertical geometry associated with PAPI installation and alignment.
Key Fields
- Runway / PAPI location / Unit number
- Reference elevation / Measured elevation / Required value/tolerance / Difference
- Measurement equipment / Measurement date
- Survey/reference data checked
- Equipment calibrated / Measurement validated
- Result: Within Requirement / Out of Requirement
VG-05 PAPI Azimuth Record Record
Purpose
To document horizontal/azimuth orientation of each PAPI unit.
Key Fields
- PAPI unit / Runway reference
- Intended azimuth / Measured azimuth / Deviation / Acceptance criterion
- Survey reference / Measurement instrument
- Unit mounting / Orientation
- Final: Accepted / Adjustment Required
C · Electrical & Optical Testing
3 of 3 formsVG-06 PAPI Electrical Test Test Record
Purpose
To document electrical tests performed on the PAPI system.
Key Fields
- PAPI ID / Unit ID / Circuit ID / Transformer ID / Test date
- Continuity / Insulation resistance where applicable
- Supply voltage / Current
- Earthing/earth continuity where applicable
- Circuit functional condition
- Test equipment ID / Calibration status
- Measured value / Acceptance criterion / Pass-fail / Remarks
VG-07 PAPI Photometry Record Record
Purpose
To document optical/photometric performance of the PAPI.
Key Fields
- PAPI ID / Unit ID / Photometer ID / Calibration status
- Light intensity / Beam characteristics / Colour
- Relevant optical parameters / Measurement position / Operating condition
- Required value / Measured value / Deviation / Pass-fail
VG-08 PAPI Functional Test Test Record
Purpose
To verify correct functional operation of the complete PAPI system.
Key Fields
- Power ON/OFF / Unit operation / Light output
- Indication/visual guidance sequence / Circuit response
- Intensity/control function where applicable
- Fault/alarm indication where applicable
- Test condition / Expected response / Actual response / Result
- Final: Functional / Non-Functional
D · PAPI Maintenance & Fault Control
4 of 4 formsVG-09 PAPI Maintenance Record Record
Purpose
To document preventive and corrective maintenance carried out on PAPI equipment.
Key Fields
- PAPI ID / Unit ID / Date / Work order / Technician / Maintenance type
- Cleaning, inspection, alignment verification
- Electrical checks, optical checks
- Cable/connector inspection, mechanical adjustment, component replacement
- Work completed / Defects identified / Follow-up required
VG-10 PAPI Fault Report Report
Purpose
To record PAPI faults and abnormal operational conditions.
Key Fields
- Fault ID / PAPI ID / Unit ID / Date-time / Location
- Operating condition / Fault symptoms
- Fault categories: light, electrical, cable, connector, transformer, alignment, optical, mechanical, control/power
- Diagnosis / Repair / Replacement / Adjustment
- Testing / Restoration
VG-11 PAPI Calibration Record Record
Purpose
To maintain calibration/verification records for applicable PAPI measurement and alignment equipment and any controlled PAPI calibration activity.
Key Fields
- Instrument/equipment ID / Manufacturer / Model / Serial number
- Calibration certificate / Calibration date / Due date
- Equipment suitable / Calibration valid / Measurement range suitable
- Functional verification completed
- Calibration/verification result / Technician / Reviewer / Remarks
VG-12 PAPI Adjustment Record Record
Purpose
To document controlled adjustment of PAPI units following inspection, testing or maintenance.
Key Fields
- Unit ID / Existing alignment / Existing elevation-geometry / Existing optical condition
- Reason for adjustment
- Adjustment performed / Equipment used / Technician / Date-time / Reference values
- Final alignment / Final elevation-geometry / Final optical result / Functional test
- Closure: Adjustment Accepted / Further Action Required
E · APAPI Records
3 of 3 formsVG-13 APAPI Installation Record Record
Purpose
To document installation of an APAPI system.
Key Fields
- Airport / Runway / APAPI location / Side
- Unit configuration / Manufacturer / Model / Serial number
- Foundation, mounting, alignment, elevation, azimuth
- Cable, transformer, earthing, circuit identification
- Final: Accepted / Rectification Required
VG-14 APAPI Inspection Inspection
Purpose
To inspect the physical, electrical and optical condition of an APAPI system.
Key Fields
- Housing, optical system, mounting
- Alignment, elevation
- Cable, connector, transformer, earthing
- Light output, physical damage, contamination
- Classification: Normal / Defect / Critical Defect
VG-15 APAPI Testing Test Record
Purpose
To record electrical, optical and functional testing of APAPI.
Key Fields
- Continuity / Insulation resistance where applicable
- Supply / Current / Earthing
- Light intensity / Colour / Beam condition / Alignment
- System operation, unit response, indication/visual guidance
- Final: Pass / Fail
F · VASI Records
2 of 2 formsVG-16 VASI Inspection Inspection
Purpose
To document inspection of VASI or other applicable visual approach guidance equipment.
Key Fields
- Physical condition / Optical condition / Mounting
- Alignment / Elevation / Azimuth
- Electrical connections, cable, transformer
- Light output, cleanliness, damage
- Result: Satisfactory / Defective
VG-17 VASI Testing Test Record
Purpose
To record applicable electrical, optical and functional testing of VASI equipment.
Key Fields
- Electrical operation, continuity
- Insulation resistance where applicable, supply/current
- Optical output, alignment
- Functional response
- Test equipment ID / Calibration status
- Final: Pass / Fail
G · Visual Guidance Defect & Acceptance
3 of 3 formsVG-18 Visual Guidance Defect Report Report
Purpose
To document defects affecting PAPI, APAPI, VASI or other applicable visual guidance equipment.
Key Fields
- Defect ID / System / Asset ID / Location / Date / Detection method / Description
- Defect categories: alignment, elevation, azimuth, optical, electrical, mechanical
- Defect categories: cable, connector, transformer, power/control, physical/environmental
- Severity: Critical / Major / Minor
- Action: immediate correction, temporary restoration, permanent correction, retest
VG-19 Visual Guidance Acceptance Record
Purpose
To formally record acceptance of the visual guidance system after installation, modification or major maintenance.
Key Fields
- Installation completed / Alignment verified / Elevation verified / Azimuth verified
- Electrical tests completed / Photometric tests completed / Functional test completed
- Defects closed / Documentation completed
- Final status: Accepted / Accepted with Conditions / Not Accepted
- Approval: Contractor, Engineer, QA/QC, Client/Consultant where applicable
VG-20 Visual Guidance Handover Handover Record
Purpose
To transfer the completed visual guidance system into operations/maintenance control.
Key Fields
- System / Asset IDs / Location / Installation date / Commissioning date
- Manufacturer / Model / Serial numbers
- Handover documents: as-built drawings, test reports, photometry records
- Handover documents: alignment records, calibration records, maintenance instructions
- Warranty documents, spare-parts information, asset records
- Final: Handed Over / Pending Items
H · Asset & Maintenance Records
2 of 2 formsVG-21 Visual Guidance Asset Record Asset Record
Purpose
To establish the master asset record for PAPI/APAPI/VASI systems.
Key Fields
- Asset ID / System type / Manufacturer / Model / Serial number
- Location / Runway / Side / Installation date / Commissioning date
- Unit configuration, light source, power supply, circuit, transformer, associated equipment
- Warranty, maintenance history, fault history, replacement history, modification history
- Current condition, criticality, asset health, replacement requirement
VG-22 Visual Guidance Maintenance Record
Purpose
To record preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
Key Fields
- Inspection, cleaning, alignment
- Electrical testing, optical testing
- Component replacement, cable/connector work, mechanical work
- Asset ID / Work order / Date / Technician / Activity / Parts used
- Test results / Final condition
- Closure: Restored / Monitor / Further Work Required
I · Failure Investigation & Performance
3 of 3 formsVG-23 Visual Guidance Failure Investigation Investigation
Purpose
To investigate repeated, serious or unexplained failures of PAPI/APAPI/VASI systems.
Key Fields
- Failure ID / Asset ID / Failure date-time / Symptoms / Operating condition / Initial observations
- Electrical measurements, optical measurements, alignment condition
- Component condition, cable/connector condition, previous maintenance history
- RCA: immediate cause, root cause, contributing factors, 5-Why, fishbone where appropriate
- Corrective action: immediate, permanent, preventive, verification
- Closure: Failure Closed / Monitoring Required
VG-24 Visual Guidance Performance Record Record
Purpose
To maintain long-term performance history of PAPI/APAPI/VASI systems.
Key Fields
- Asset ID / Test date
- Alignment, elevation/geometry, azimuth
- Electrical performance, optical performance, functional condition
- Previous result / Current result / Change / Performance status
- Assessment: Stable / Improving / Degrading / Requires Investigation
VG-25 Visual Guidance Annual Review Annual Review
Purpose
To perform a comprehensive annual technical review of PAPI/APAPI/VASI performance and condition.
Key Fields
- Asset identification, age, manufacturer, model, installation date, warranty status
- Physical, optical, electrical and mechanical condition
- Alignment, elevation/geometry, azimuth and photometry history / functional testing
- Reliability: number of failures, repeated failures, MTBF, MTTR, maintenance frequency
- Risk: criticality, safety impact, operational impact, obsolescence, spare-parts availability
- Recommendation: continue operation, increased monitoring, preventive maintenance, component replacement, upgrade, complete system replacement
How Division 17 Connects
These 25 forms build the strongest feature of this division — a traceable link from the physical PAPI/APAPI/VASI asset to its complete geometric, optical, electrical and operational history.
Visual Guidance Control Flow
The nine categories in this division follow the asset lifecycle from installation to annual review:
Related Divisions
- Division 04 — Installation Forms (physical installation that this division's PAPI Installation Record and APAPI Installation Record build on)
- Division 05 — Inspection Forms (routine inspection cycle this division's checklists feed into)
- Division 06 — Testing Forms (electrical, optical and functional test methodology)
- Division 09 — Troubleshooting & Failure Investigation (the RCA framework behind VG-23)
- Division 11 — Asset Management (the asset health record VG-24 Performance Record connects to)
- Division 14 — Calibration & Measurement (equipment calibration behind VG-11)
- Division 15 — Photometry (the broader photometric and optical measurement system VG-07 and VG-24 link to)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the 25 Division 17 PAPI, APAPI & Visual Guidance forms, how they are grouped, and how they connect to the rest of the library.
Q1What is Division 17 — PAPI, APAPI & Visual Guidance Forms in the AGL Engineering Forms & Templates library?
Division 17 is a set of 25 papi, apapi & visual guidance forms (VG-01 to VG-25) in the AGL Engineering Forms & Templates library. It is the master record layer for PAPI, APAPI and other visual approach guidance systems, covering their lifecycle from installation and alignment through elevation and azimuth geometry, electrical and photometric testing, acceptance, maintenance, fault investigation and annual review. The forms are grouped into 9 categories: PAPI Installation & Inspection, PAPI Alignment & Geometry, Electrical & Optical Testing, PAPI Maintenance & Fault Control, APAPI Records, VASI Records, Visual Guidance Defect & Acceptance, Asset & Maintenance Records and Failure Investigation & Performance.
Q2Which forms are included in PAPI Installation & Inspection, PAPI Alignment & Geometry, Electrical & Optical Testing and PAPI Maintenance & Fault Control?
PAPI Installation & Inspection (2 forms): VG-01 PAPI Installation Record, VG-02 PAPI Inspection Checklist; PAPI Alignment & Geometry (3 forms): VG-03 PAPI Alignment Record, VG-04 PAPI Elevation Record, VG-05 PAPI Azimuth Record; Electrical & Optical Testing (3 forms): VG-06 PAPI Electrical Test, VG-07 PAPI Photometry Record, VG-08 PAPI Functional Test; PAPI Maintenance & Fault Control (4 forms): VG-09 PAPI Maintenance Record, VG-10 PAPI Fault Report, VG-11 PAPI Calibration Record, VG-12 PAPI Adjustment Record.
Q3Which forms are included in APAPI Records, VASI Records, Visual Guidance Defect & Acceptance, Asset & Maintenance Records and Failure Investigation & Performance?
APAPI Records (3 forms): VG-13 APAPI Installation Record, VG-14 APAPI Inspection, VG-15 APAPI Testing; VASI Records (2 forms): VG-16 VASI Inspection, VG-17 VASI Testing; Visual Guidance Defect & Acceptance (3 forms): VG-18 Visual Guidance Defect Report, VG-19 Visual Guidance Acceptance, VG-20 Visual Guidance Handover; Asset & Maintenance Records (2 forms): VG-21 Visual Guidance Asset Record, VG-22 Visual Guidance Maintenance; Failure Investigation & Performance (3 forms): VG-23 Visual Guidance Failure Investigation, VG-24 Visual Guidance Performance Record, VG-25 Visual Guidance Annual Review.
Q4What is the difference between the PAPI Alignment, Elevation and Azimuth records?
The PAPI Alignment Record (VG-03) records the alignment condition of the PAPI system. The PAPI Elevation Record (VG-04) documents the elevation and vertical geometry associated with installation and alignment, and the PAPI Azimuth Record (VG-05) documents the horizontal orientation of each PAPI unit. The PAPI Adjustment Record (VG-12) documents controlled adjustment of units following inspection, testing or maintenance.
Q5Which forms cover PAPI, APAPI and VASI?
PAPI has its own forms (VG-01 to VG-12) covering installation, inspection, alignment, electrical, photometry and functional testing, maintenance, fault reporting, calibration and adjustment. APAPI has installation, inspection and testing records (VG-13 to VG-15), and VASI has inspection and testing records (VG-16 and VG-17). Defect, acceptance and handover forms (VG-18 to VG-20) apply to PAPI, APAPI, VASI and other visual guidance equipment.
Q6What forms review the long-term performance of visual guidance systems?
The Visual Guidance Failure Investigation (VG-23) investigates repeated, serious or unexplained failures. The Visual Guidance Performance Record (VG-24) maintains the long-term performance history, and the Visual Guidance Annual Review (VG-25) is a comprehensive annual technical review of performance and condition.
Q7Can the forms in Division 17 be downloaded and filled in?
Yes. Each form has a Download as Word button that produces an uncontrolled sample Word template with letterhead, a document-control block, ruled entry fields and a three-tier approval table, ready to print or fill on-screen. Checklist-format forms such as PAPI Inspection Checklist (VG-02) download with a checkbox and a verified-by line for each item. The forms can also be searched by keyword or form ID.
Q8How does Division 17 connect to Division 04?
Division 04 proves a PAPI or APAPI unit went into the ground correctly, while this division owns everything that happens to it afterward: alignment, elevation, azimuth, electrical and photometric testing, functional testing, acceptance, maintenance, fault investigation and the annual review of its performance and condition.
SET THE ANGLE. UNDERSTAND THE GLIDE PATH.
A PAPI/APAPI form logs elevation settings and beam checks — but real visual guidance competence means understanding obstacle clearance surfaces, glide path geometry and why a fraction of a degree matters to an approaching aircraft.
Take your knowledge further with Precision AGL Academy.
Build Complete AGL Project Capability
Learn how technical AGL work connects with:
Develop the knowledge to not only record the work, but understand the engineering and project-management principles behind it.
Plan the project. Understand the engineering. Deliver with confidence.
Follow the Academy
Important Notice, Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
Please read before relying on any content on this page or on any template downloaded from it.
- Purpose and intended users. This page is an independent educational and informational reference for competent, suitably trained and authorised airfield ground lighting (AGL), aerodrome electrical and project personnel. It is not professional engineering, legal or regulatory advice, and using it does not create any professional or client relationship.
- Sample templates, not controlled documents. Forms, checklists, registers, reports, certificate layouts and Word downloads are generic samples. They are uncontrolled copies and are not approved work instructions, procedures, permits, certificates, test or calibration records, or regulatory records. Letterheads, form numbers, revision labels, dates, document-control blocks and approval tables are layout only. Review and adapt a template under your own document-control system before any use; signatures on it carry no authority unless made under your own approved system. Precision AGL Academy does not issue, approve, certify or take responsibility for any record completed using a template, and does not receive or store such records.
- Safety. Work on series circuits, constant current regulators (CCRs), isolating transformers, cables, connectors and control equipment can be fatal. Always apply the aerodrome’s permit-to-work and isolation/LOTO procedures, prove dead, use correctly rated instruments and PPE, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Nothing here authorises work on live equipment or the bypassing of any safety device or interlock.
- Certificates, approvals and compliance. A completed template is not a certificate, approval, acceptance, release, permit or evidence of compliance, and listing a certificate, approval or sign-off field does not make the document valid. Reading this material or completing a template confers no certification, accreditation, competency assessment or authorisation to work on any aerodrome.
- Aviation operations. Nothing here authorises return to service, a change of operating category (CAT I/II/III), a NOTAM, a flight-inspection outcome or any aerodrome certification decision. These rest with the aerodrome operator, the air navigation service provider and the competent regulator.
- Standards, regulations and contracts. References to ICAO, FAA, IEC, IEEE, ISO, BIS, DGCA and other standards are for orientation only. They are summarised, may be incomplete or out of date, and standards are revised from time to time. Consult the current official editions. Following this content does not guarantee compliance with any law, standard, contract or regulatory approval. Contract, specification and official requirements always prevail, and nothing here is a contract document or legal advice.
- Personal and confidential data. Some templates have fields for names, signatures, training or competency records, and incident or injury details. If you record personal or confidential information on a template, you are responsible for handling it lawfully, including under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and your contracts. Word files are generated in your browser; the content you enter is not sent to us.
- Generic content; no warranty. Field lists, sequences, categories and example values are generic and indicative; real projects, installations and contracts differ. Content is provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, completeness, currency or fitness for a particular purpose.
- Limitation of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Precision AGL Academy and its owners, authors and contributors are not liable for any injury, death, loss, damage, downtime, penalty, contractual dispute or regulatory consequence, whether direct or indirect, arising from the use of, reliance on, or inability to use this content or any template downloaded from it. Nothing in this notice excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
- Independence and trademarks. This is an independent publication, not affiliated with or endorsed by ICAO, the FAA, the IEC, BIS, DGCA, any airport, regulator, certification body or equipment manufacturer. Third-party names, standard designations and trademarks, including Microsoft Word and Excel, belong to their respective owners and are used for identification only.
- Copyright and use. © 2026 Precision AGL Academy. All rights reserved. You may view this page and use downloaded templates for personal reference, internal training and, once adapted under your own document-control system, your own internal project records, keeping this notice attached to unadapted copies. You may not present them as approved or controlled documents, or copy, republish, redistribute, scrape or commercially use the library without our prior written permission.
- Corrections. Content is reviewed periodically, with no obligation to update. To report an error, safety concern or rights issue, write to precisionaglsolutions@gmail.com.