Q for ATC re approach lighting

[skidcanuck]

I'd appreciate it if an air traffic controller could answer this question.

If an aircraft is cleared for a non-precision approach to a runway at an airport (ie 34L) with a parallel runway to the one the aircraft is cleared (ie 34R), is it procedure to turn off the approach lights to the paralel runway not being used (ie 34R)?

Please help settle a bet.

Thanks.

[vector4fun]

In the U.S., I believe the definate answer is, maybe.

If the other runway is also being used for arrivals, then the approach lights would most likely be left on. If, on the other hand, it's only being used for departures, or not at all, then the approach lights should probably be off.

FAA 7110.65



3-4-4. APPROACH LIGHTS

Operate approach lights:

a. Between sunset and sunrise when one of the following conditions exists:

1. They serve the landing runway.

2. They serve a runway to which an approach is being made but aircraft will land on another runway.

b. Between sunrise and sunset when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet or the prevailing visibility is 5 miles or less and approaches are being made to:

1. A landing runway served by the lights.

2. A runway served by the lights but aircraft are landing on another runway.

3. The airport, but landing will be made on a runway served by the lights.

c. As requested by the pilot.

d. As you deem necessary, if not contrary to pilot's request.

NOTE-
In the interest of energy conservation, the ALS should be turned off when not needed for aircraft operations.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, ALS Intensity Settings, Para 3-4-5.

3-4-5. ALS INTENSITY SETTINGS

When operating ALS as prescribed in para 3-4-4, Approach Lights, operate intensity controls in accordance with the values in TBL 3-4-4 except:

a. When facility directives specify other settings to meet local atmospheric, topographic, and twilight conditions.

b. As requested by the pilot.

c. As you deem necessary, if not contrary to pilot's request.

[j17]

Skidcanuck

At Manchester ( EGCC) if you are departing on 24L and landing on 24R only the 24R approach lights can be displayed. The same applies if you are landing 06R and departing 06L. Approach lights only on the landing runway.