Approach Lighting Systems
An approach lighting system extends a defined pattern of light bars, and on longer configurations sequenced flashing lights, outward from the runway threshold along the extended centreline, giving a pilot on final approach horizontal guidance before the runway itself becomes visible. Northlane Solutions supplies approach lighting sized to the runway's approach category, engineered to ICAO Annex 14 Volume I.
Inside the Approach Lighting Systems
An approach lighting system is a laid-out network of light bars, crossbars, and sequenced flashing units extending from the runway threshold along the extended centreline, not a single fixture. Each light bar mounts on its own support structure and foundation, wired back through a shared cable network to a central sequencer, so the whole system flashes and lights in the pattern a pilot expects on final approach.
01
Centreline Light Bar Assembly
A row of steady-burning white lights set along the extended runway centreline at fixed intervals, giving a pilot on approach a continuous horizontal reference toward the threshold.
02
Crossbar / Wing Bar Assembly
A lateral bar of lights crossing the centreline at a defined distance from the threshold, giving the pilot roll and horizon cues that the centreline bars alone cannot provide.
03
Sequenced Flashing Light Unit
A capacitor-discharge strobe fired in sequence toward the threshold, adding a moving point of light that draws the eye along the approach path in low visibility on longer configurations.
04
Elevated Support Structure
Frangible masts or low ground stands that hold each light bar at its designed height over sloping or obstructed terrain beyond the runway end, breaking away safely on impact.
05
Foundation and Base
Anchors each mast or ground stand at its surveyed position and elevation along the approach corridor, keeping the whole array aligned with the extended runway centreline.
06
Sequencer Control and Cable Network
Links every light bar and flasher back to a central control unit that times the flash sequence and monitors circuit status across the full length of the system.
FULLY ASSEMBLED
Approach Lighting Systems
| System configuration | Simple or precision approach configuration selected per ICAO Annex 14 Volume I approach category |
| Light bar spacing | Centreline and crossbar spacing set out per the standard's defined geometry for the chosen category |
| Flash sequence | Sequenced flashers fire in the direction of the threshold on longer configurations |
| Support type | Frangible elevated masts or low ground stands depending on terrain beyond the runway end |
| Power supply | Constant current series circuit through dedicated regulators, independent of the runway edge circuit |
| Control compatibility | Intensity step and sequence timing set via ALCMS or a dedicated approach lighting controller |
| Operating environment | Rated for sustained high-temperature, dust, and sand exposure across the full approach corridor |
What an approach lighting system does
An approach lighting system is a structured array of light bars and, on longer configurations, sequenced flashing lights, extending along the extended runway centreline outward from the threshold. It gives a pilot descending toward the runway a horizontal and directional reference before the runway environment itself is visually distinguishable, particularly important in reduced visibility or at night. The exact pattern length and complexity scales with the runway's approach category and the visibility minima it is designed to support.
Standards and configuration classes
ICAO Annex 14 Volume I defines several approach lighting configuration classes, from a simple system on shorter or lower-category runways to a full precision approach configuration on runways supporting the lowest visibility landings, each with its own defined length, light bar spacing, and centreline light intensity. GACAR Part 139 applies the same configuration classes at licensed Saudi aerodromes, and the runway's aeronautical study and approach category, set during the airfield's design phase, determines which class applies rather than the configuration being chosen independently of that study.
Sequenced flashing lights
Higher approach category configurations add a row of sequenced flashing lights running along the light bar centreline, firing in rapid succession outward toward the threshold to create a visual motion cue that draws a pilot's eye to the runway, distinct from the steady-burning bars beneath it. These units run on a separate control circuit from the steady lighting and need their own power and control integration into the overall approach lighting design, generally with an intensity step control matched to prevailing visibility conditions.
Built for Saudi site conditions
Approach lighting structures often extend beyond the paved runway strip onto open ground, where mounting frames and cabling face wind loading, sand ingress, and, on some sites, drainage or soft-ground conditions the structural design has to account for beyond a standard fixture spec. Northlane Solutions checks foundation and mounting design against the actual approach terrain rather than assuming a paved, level surface throughout the array's length, and sources fixtures sealed to IP66/IP68 for the same dust and heat exposure the rest of the airfield lighting scope faces.
What to send for a quote
Send the runway's approach category and aeronautical study output, the extended centreline terrain profile, and any existing lighting circuit infrastructure the new system needs to integrate with. Northlane Solutions returns a configuration recommendation, structural and civil scope outline, and USD/SAR pricing, delivered as turnkey supply and installation alongside the rest of the airfield ground lighting package.
Specifications
- ✓Configuration classes per ICAO Annex 14 Volume I, from simple systems to full precision approach configurations; GACAR Part 139 applies the same classes at licensed Saudi aerodromes
- ✓Light bar spacing, length, and centreline intensity set by the runway's approach category, not a single default layout
- ✓Sequenced flashing light row available on higher approach category configurations, on a separate control circuit from steady lighting
- ✓Intensity step control matched to prevailing visibility conditions
- ✓Structural and civil design checked against actual approach terrain, wind loading, and drainage conditions
- ✓Fixtures specified to the ingress protection rating open-ground dust, sand, and heat exposure requires beyond the paved runway strip
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an approach lighting system do before a pilot sees the runway?+
It extends a pattern of light bars outward from the threshold along the extended runway centreline, giving a descending pilot a horizontal and directional reference in reduced visibility or at night before the runway environment itself becomes visually distinguishable.
Why do some approach lighting systems have flashing lights?+
Higher approach category configurations add sequenced flashing lights that fire in rapid succession toward the threshold, creating a visual motion cue that draws the pilot's eye toward the runway, on top of the steady-burning light bars beneath them.
Who supplies approach lighting systems for airfields in Saudi Arabia?+
Northlane Solutions sources and supplies approach lighting configurations built to ICAO Annex 14, sized to the runway's approach category, with structural and civil scope for open-ground installation, as turnkey supply and installation for airfield projects across the Kingdom.
What is the role of the Centreline Light Bar Assembly in Approach Lighting Systems?+
A row of steady-burning white lights set along the extended runway centreline at fixed intervals, giving a pilot on approach a continuous horizontal reference toward the threshold.
What is the role of the Crossbar / Wing Bar Assembly in Approach Lighting Systems?+
A lateral bar of lights crossing the centreline at a defined distance from the threshold, giving the pilot roll and horizon cues that the centreline bars alone cannot provide.
What is the role of the Sequenced Flashing Light Unit in Approach Lighting Systems?+
A capacitor-discharge strobe fired in sequence toward the threshold, adding a moving point of light that draws the eye along the approach path in low visibility on longer configurations.
What is the role of the Elevated Support Structure in Approach Lighting Systems?+
Frangible masts or low ground stands that hold each light bar at its designed height over sloping or obstructed terrain beyond the runway end, breaking away safely on impact.
What is the role of the Foundation and Base in Approach Lighting Systems?+
Anchors each mast or ground stand at its surveyed position and elevation along the approach corridor, keeping the whole array aligned with the extended runway centreline.
What is the role of the Sequencer Control and Cable Network in Approach Lighting Systems?+
Links every light bar and flasher back to a central control unit that times the flash sequence and monitors circuit status across the full length of the system.