GACA Updates Airfield Lighting Standards – What It Means for Saudi Operators

GACA’s latest revision of the airfield ground and obstruction lighting standards introduces new performance criteria, testing methods and certification requirements; Saudi airport owners and contractors must update designs, procure approved equipment and revise maintenance plans to stay compliant under the new regime.

Context – GACA’s Revised Lighting Standards

The General Authority of Civil Aviation released an updated set of forms that detail the technical expectations for runway edge lights, taxiway illumination, approach lighting and obstacle marking. Photometric output, colour uniformity and energy consumption are now measured against tighter thresholds. Remote monitoring functions are required for all high‑intensity obstruction lights, and the authority has added a mandatory inspection schedule that aligns with international best practice. All documents are available through the GACA portal under the Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability category.

Practical Impact for Owners and Contractors

For owners, the first impact is paperwork. The new checklist asks for product certificates, installation drawings and a commissioning report that includes photometric test results. Existing airfields built before the previous edition will need a gap analysis to identify non‑conforming fixtures. Contractors face tighter installation windows because the authority expects the full system to be operational before the next scheduled audit, typically within 90 days of submission. Retrofitting old fixtures with LED modules can meet the energy targets, but only if the replacement parts carry the approved type‑approval label. Failure to meet the updated criteria can lead to temporary restrictions on night operations.

Northlane Solutions’ Role

Northlane has been supplying certified lighting for Saudi airports for more than a decade. Our catalogue includes LED runway edge lights, taxiway fixtures and high‑intensity obstruction beacons that carry the required GACA type‑approval. We also provide the control and monitoring platforms that satisfy the remote‑status requirement. Clients can review our full offering in the Airfield Ground Lighting and Obstruction Lighting sections. Our engineering team runs the photometric testing on‑site, prepares the commissioning documentation and can arrange a fast‑track certification audit. For long‑term reliability we offer maintenance contracts that include spare‑part logistics, scheduled inspections and firmware updates for the monitoring system.

Buyer Guidance – Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Download the GACA checklist from the official forms page and compare it with your existing inventory.
2. Conduct a gap analysis with a qualified lighting engineer; identify any fixtures that lack the new type‑approval.
3. Select approved products early in the procurement cycle. Ordering from a supplier with local stock, such as Northlane, reduces lead time to 2‑3 weeks for standard LED modules.
4. Plan installation around the airport’s operational schedule. Night‑time work is often required to avoid disrupting traffic.
5. Arrange on‑site photometric testing before the final hand‑over. Our technicians can produce the test report in the format demanded by GACA.
6. Submit the commissioning package – drawings, certificates and test results – through the GACA portal.
7. Set up a maintenance program that includes periodic lamp checks, power‑supply verification and remote‑monitoring health checks.

Following this sequence helps avoid costly re‑work and keeps the airfield open for night operations.

FAQ

What specific documents does GACA require for the new lighting standards?

The authority asks for product type‑approval certificates, detailed installation drawings, a photometric test report and a commissioning log that shows each lamp meets the revised intensity values.

Can existing non‑LED fixtures be upgraded to meet the new criteria?

In many cases a retrofit kit that replaces the lamp and driver with an approved LED module is sufficient, provided the fixture housing passes the colour‑uniformity test.

How long does it typically take to receive certified lighting from Northlane?

Standard LED runway and obstruction lights are stocked in Riyadh and Jeddah. Delivery to most Saudi airports is 10‑15 days after order confirmation.

Does Northlane provide post‑installation support?

Yes. We offer a maintenance contract that covers scheduled inspections, spare‑part supply and remote‑monitoring updates for the entire lifespan of the system.