Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244:reg:5:p69
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 69/225)
Character Range: 493303–496130

lighting facilities will be automatically turned on in the event of the PAL failure; and

(b) a bypass switch will allow manual activation of the lights by a responsible person nominated in writing by the aerodrome operator.

       (2) The PAL must be so designed that transient electrical surges have no effect on the PAL.

       (3) When a PAL resumes proper operation following a PAL failure, the following must occur:

(a) the PAL must automatically commence and complete a "Light on" cycle;

(b) as soon as the power returns and the PAL has energised — the pilot must be notified, via AFRU transmission (if applicable), that the lighting is ON.

       (4) During a power failure for a PAL that is fitted with stand-by power only the pilot must be notified, via AFRU transmission (if applicable), that the PAL has not energised.

9.24 Access to manual switches

        If manual switches are provided for a PAL, they must be readily accessible to the responsible person at all times.

9.25 Receiving antenna

       (1) The receiving antenna for a PAL must be located such that it will receive activating signals from:

(a) aircraft in the air; and

(b) aircraft, ground vehicles, and mobile personnel on the aerodrome movement area.

       (2) The PAL must be so designed that it will operate when connected to an antenna that has the following specifications:

(a) unity gain with respect to a dipole;

(b) vertical polarisation;

(c) omnidirectional radiation pattern in the horizontal plane;

(d) voltage standing wave ratio, when matched to the PAL antenna input, of not greater than 1.5:1 over the frequency range of 118 to 136 MHz;

(e) a height of the mounting above local ground level of not less than 4.5 m.

9.26 PAL with audio acknowledgment

Note   CASA recommends that aerodrome operators use a PAL with message acknowledgment capability.

 (1) PAL with audio acknowledgment capability must provide:

        1.    positive response on receipt of pilot transmission; and

        2.    caution if the lighting cycle is within the 10 minute switch off phase.

       (2) The broadcast message (if any) must:

(a) for PAL activation, and for the commencement of the flash cycle — be such as to minimise congestion on the frequency; and

(b) for the commencement of the flash cycle — provide the remaining time for activation.

Note   CASA recommends that a typical broadcast message should be of the form:

Name of aerodrome [INSERT NAME] AERODROME LIGHTING ON.

Name of aerodrome [INSERT NAME] LIGHTS 10 MINUTES REMAINING.

Name of aerodrome [INSERT NAME] AERODROME LIGHTING NOT ACTIVATED.

CHAPTER 9

Division 4 Obstacle lighting

9.27 Artificial objects and structures

       (1) Subject to subsection (2), for a runway intended to be used at night, the following artificial objects or structures