By Ed Mayle
Utilizing funds from an FAA Planning Grant, the Aviation Division has recently conducted nighttime airfield lighting inspections at approximately 250 Texas general aviation airports. Beginning in March 1998 and finishing in September 1998, the division’s “Night Flight Crew” – Ed Oshinski, Jim Curl, Greg Miller and Ed Mayle – conducted 22 inspection flights. The crew gathered and compiled information pertaining to several aspects of the airport nighttime environment.
The purpose of the study was to identify airports that had lighting or visual aid deficiencies, and to rate the individual facilities relative to other airports in the state. Additionally, this study is expected to provide valuable information to airport sponsors about their particular airports and, consequently, to assist them in correcting their lighting problems. Our goal is to increase aviation safety through the repair or replacement of non-functional equipment.
The division will present the results of this study along with other information at the Texas Aviation Conference that will be held on April 7-9, 1999, in Austin. Look for us in the Thursday morning session entitled “Nighttime Operations, A Pilot’s Perspective – How Your Lighting Systems Look When the Sun Goes Down.”
