General

Aircraft radio control of aerodrome lighting (ARCAL) is a system that allows pilots to control aerodrome lighting via radio. ARCAL systems are becoming more prevalent as a means of conserving energy, especially at aerodromes not staffed on a continuous basis or at which it is not practicable to install a landline to a nearby flight service station (FSS). Aside from obstacle lights, some or all of the aerodrome lighting may be radio-controlled.

Control of the lights should be possible when aircraft are within 15 NM of the aerodrome. The frequency range is 118 to 136 MHz. The system is activated via the aircraft’s very high frequency (VHF) transmitter and by pressing the push-to-talk button on the microphone a given number of times within a specified number of seconds. Each activation will start a timer to illuminate the lights for a period of approximately 15 minutes. The timing cycle may be restarted at any time by repeating the specified keying sequence. The code for the intensity and the lighting period varies for each installation. Consequently, the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) must be consulted for each installation. The two types of ARCAL – Type K and Type J – will be discussed in the next sections.

Pilots are advised to key the activating sequence when beginning their approach, even if the aerodrome or airport lighting is on. This will restart the timing cycle so that the full 15-minute cycle is available for their approach.