Canadian Regulations and Photometric Testing

Photometric testing is a way of assessing airfield lights to prove their compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standards.

TP312 sets the standards for airfield lighting systems, and AC 302-008 provides guidance on the required maintenance standards, emphasizing the need for regular photometric measurements to ensure continuous compliance and operational safety.

TP312 also refers to the ICAO Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137) for guidance on airfield lighting system maintenance.

What are Canadian Standards for Airfield Lighting System Maintenance?

TP312

Although TP312 sets the standards for airfield lighting systems, it does not provide much detail about their maintenance. However, the following points mentioned in TP312 are critical as they show the minimum level of service:

• A light is considered to have failed when the main beam average intensity is less than 50% of the value specified in TP312.
• Where light failures for a required lighting system exceed that in Table 9.1.3.1, the aerodrome operator reduces the level of service of the aerodrome to the appropriate level for compliance with the maximum permissible light failures.
• Where the light failures for a runway edge, end or threshold lighting system exceed that indicated under Arrival Non-Instrument Runway in Table 9.1.3.1, the system and all associated lighting systems for that runway are deemed unserviceable for night operations and are extinguished.

Note: The articles above are from TP312 Section 9.1.3 Visual Aids and are simplified.
Note 2: Table 9.1.3.1 can be found at the end of this page.

Advisory Circular 302-008: Maintenance of Runway and Taxiway Lighting Systems

AC 302-008 is Transport Canada’s Advisory Circular on Runway and Taxiway Lighting System Maintenance. Although the circular states that it is for information and guidance purposes, it also mentions that it describes a way to comply with regulations and standards.

As airfield lighting is critical for operational safety and aerodrome operators are responsible for proving their compliance with related regulations and standards, Canadian airports must follow AC 302-008’s guidance.

The circular outlines detailed recommendations for inspecting, testing, and maintaining airfield lighting systems to ensure they meet the required performance standards. It includes guidance on maintaining lighting intensity, uniformity, and alignment, along with specifying intervals for regular inspections and photometric testing. AC 302-008 also emphasizes the importance of record-keeping to document maintenance activities and compliance with safety regulations, ensuring that all systems remain operational under various conditions.

Regarding photometric measurement, the circular states the following:

• Regular photometric measurements are the only practical way to determine if the lights emit the specified amount of light and to determine misalignment errors.
• Photometric testing should be done monthly, but the frequency can modified after gaining experience based on the airport’s needs. However, in any case, the measurement frequency for precision approach runways cannot be less than twice a year.
• Photometric testing should be done:
  • Before cleaning or re-lamping to prove what maintenance is necessary and,
  • After cleaning or other maintenance actions, to track the effectiveness of the maintenance and decide the extent of degradation of the optical assembly.
    
    

Conclusion

Maintenance and compliance of airfield lighting systems are essential to the safe operation of Canadian airports. Photometric testing plays a key role in verifying that lighting systems meet the required standards in TP312. By adhering to the guidance provided in AC 302-008, aerodrome operators can ensure that their lighting systems remain fully operational, maintaining both compliance and safety.

River Island and Photometric Testing

At River Island, we specialize in airfield lighting and photometric testing, offering unparalleled expertise to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency for airports. Our partnerships with industry leaders, such as Argos Ingegneria, and our team’s experience in the world’s largest and most advanced airfield lighting systems position us as a trusted resource for all your photometric needs.

Whether addressing regulatory requirements, planning system upgrades, or optimizing your maintenance processes, we are here to provide tailored solutions backed by experience and innovation.

References

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/aerodromes-standards-recommended-practices-tp-312
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/advisory-circular-ac-no-302-008

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