Lighting control panel (AGL)

What it is

• The AGL control panel switches and monitors runway, approach and taxiway lighting. CAP 670 requires it to show actual serviceability, not just the switch position (IAS01.31–.33).

How controllers use it

• Intensity stages (CAP 168): HI approach, runway and PAPI 100/30/10/3/1%; taxiway centreline and stop bars 100/30% (plus 10% for HI).
• Settings are defined in MATS Pt 2 and may be varied at controller discretion or on pilot request; the final choice rests with the flight crew.
• HI lighting is used by day when visibility is under 5 km or cloud is below 700 ft, and always at night. Change the setting at 600 m RVR when conditions worsen and at 800 m when improving.

UK rules and practice

• Edge lights must be at 10% or more below 1500 m visibility, or IRVR cannot read them (CAP 168).

At Prestwick

• RWY 12/30: coded centreline approach lights with 5 crossbars (853 m for 12, 890 m for 30); PAPI 3° (12) and 3.5° (30); colour-coded centreline; HI bidirectional edge lights.
• RWY 20: 420 m approach lights, PAPI 3.5°. RWY 02: PAPI 3°.
• Taxiways: green LED centreline, blue edge lights. Stop bars and guard lights at J, K, Q, R1, S, W and Y.
• Standby power changes over in under 1 s during LVPs and within 15 s otherwise.

// Through the eras