What are these?
They are a no maintenance lighting system that requires no access to the electrical grid.
By combining retroreflectivity with the power of the sun our supplier developed the only airport runway and taxiway lighting system that is:
* Low Cost
* Maintenance Free
* Always On
* FAA and Transport Canada Certified
How do they work?
In simple terms the runway or taxiway is illuminated by the energy from the aircraft's own landing lights. For a large aircraft such as a C-130 or commercial jetliner the runway is illuminated at approximately 8 miles. For a small light aircraft such as a Cennsa 172 the runway is illuminated at approximately 3 miles.
To the pilot flying, the runway appears equivalent to a regular electrically powered runway lighting system.
Since angles are essential for the system to operate the aircraft must be within 20 degrees of centerline to acquire illumination. To assist the aircraft in acquiring the centerline, solar powered strobe lead in lights can be incorporated into the system. These lead in lights are located at both ends of the runway giving the pilot full field definition for either flying a standard VFR pattern or entering a direct approach.
In the event of aircraft landing light failure the aircrafts position lights, navigation lights and the flashlight carried by the pilot in night operations have been demonstrated as being sufficient to allow for a safe landing. In this event the illumination is not equivalent to regular lighting however it is sufficient.
How do they compare to electrical lighting systems? Here is an article written by a user of this reflective technology.
There are many models to choose from, for more information contact cheryl@yorktonaircraft.com.
Shown in this picture is the Model 324, medium intensity retro-reflective taxiway/runway marker.
