The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a request for information (RFI) for a new cost-effective runway safety lighting system that can be deployed at airports nationwide.
The existing runway status lights system is embedded in the pavement of runways and taxiways, and signals to pilots and vehicle operators when it is unsafe to enter, cross or takeoff from a runway. The system, which is installed at 20 airports, is expensive to install and requires closing runways during construction.
The FAA seeks information on new and commercially available runway safety lighting system options that can be deployed and operational within the next two or three years.
“We want to make sure pilots and air traffic controllers across the country have the tools they need to keep planes moving safely and efficiently,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “A new runway safety lighting system will reduce the number of close calls and hazards on runways at numerous airports. Situational awareness provided by this system is vital in maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.”
In a request for solutions issued in August, the FAA aims to identify a prime integrator to manage the building of a brand new air traffic control system.