GACA Updates Airfield Ground and Obstruction Lighting Standards

GACA has just published revised standards for airfield ground and obstruction lighting. Saudi airport owners and contractors now have a clear checklist to meet, and Northlane Solutions stands ready to supply certified lighting products and practical guidance throughout the compliance process.

What the new GACA standards cover

The latest documents posted on the GACA portal detail photometric performance, colour temperature, and energy‑efficiency criteria for runway edge, taxiway and apron lights. They also redefine the classification of obstruction lights, separating low, medium and high intensity categories and adding requirements for solar‑powered units where grid power is unavailable. Control and monitoring systems must now support individual lamp status reporting and fault logging, a shift from the previous batch‑mode monitoring. All specifications are available in the GACA Rules and Regulations section under Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability.

Practical impact for owners and contractors

For owners, the first task is a gap analysis. Existing installations built to older editions may fall short of the new photometric values or lack the required fault‑recording capability. Contractors will need to update their design packages, submit revised drawings and obtain approval before any work begins. The compliance checklist asks for product certificates, test reports and a maintenance plan that aligns with the new monitoring requirements. Failure to address any item can delay the issuance of the operational licence, which in turn affects airline scheduling and revenue.

How Northlane supports the compliance checklist

Northlane has a full portfolio that matches the new standards. Our Airfield Ground Lighting service includes LED runway edge, taxiway and apron fixtures that meet the updated photometric limits. For towers and tall structures we provide Obstruction Lighting in low, medium and high intensity versions, including solar options where the grid is not reachable. Our engineers can integrate the lights with an AGL Control & Monitoring system that records each lamp’s status in real time, satisfying the reporting requirement without extra hardware. We also offer maintenance contracts that cover periodic testing, spare‑part supply and corrective actions, ensuring the system stays compliant long after installation.

Steps to ensure a smooth compliance project

1. Obtain the latest standards – download the PDFs from the GACA website and keep them on the project server. 2. Perform a site audit – compare existing hardware against the new photometric and monitoring criteria. 3. Create a remediation plan – list items that need replacement, upgrade or additional documentation. 4. Engage a certified supplier – choose a partner that can provide the required LED fixtures and control equipment; Northlane’s catalog aligns with the GACA checklist. 5. Submit revised design – include product data sheets, test certificates and the proposed maintenance schedule. 6. Install and test – follow the manufacturer’s installation guide, then run a full photometric and fault‑logging test. 7. Obtain certification – present the test results and maintenance plan to GACA for final approval.

By following this sequence, owners avoid costly re‑work and keep project timelines realistic. The key is early alignment with the standards and a supplier that can deliver both hardware and the documentation that GACA expects.

FAQ

What are the key changes in the GACA lighting standards?

The standards now require higher luminous intensity for runway edge lights, stricter colour‑temperature limits, and mandatory individual lamp status reporting. Obstruction lighting categories have been refined and solar‑powered options are explicitly covered.

Do existing installations need to be replaced?

Only equipment that fails to meet the new photometric or monitoring requirements must be upgraded. A detailed audit will identify which fixtures can remain in service and which need replacement.

How long does certification take?

The timeline depends on how quickly the audit, design revision and testing are completed. Projects that submit a complete package with all test reports typically receive approval within a few weeks.

Can Northlane provide both supply and maintenance?

Yes. Northlane offers a full suite of lighting products together with long‑term maintenance contracts, spare‑part logistics and on‑site support to keep the system compliant.