Introduction

As airports transition from traditional halogen systems to energy-efficient LED lighting, one common question arises: Can these technologies be used together on the same circuit? The answer is a clear no—not just due to technical limitations, but because of international aviation regulations that mandate consistency in visual aids. Mixing LED and halogen technologies within the same airfield lighting circuit is not allowed under guidelines set by aviation authorities like ICAO, FAA, and EASA, whose priority is operational safety and visual uniformity for pilots.

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Regulatory Requirements for Uniform Lighting

ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization

• Annex 14 – Volume I (Aerodrome Design and Operations) explicitly requires uniformity in color, intensity, and performance of airfield lighting systems.

• ICAO mandates that all light fittings within the same circuit must exhibit consistent photometric characteristics.

• Mixing LEDs and halogens violates this, as their brightness response and spectral output differ under identical current levels.

FAA – Federal Aviation Administration

• FAA Advisory Circulars (AC 150/5345 series) outline equipment and installation standards for airfield lighting.

• The FAA stresses the importance of standardized light output to prevent pilot confusion, particularly in low visibility.

• LED and halogen fixtures fall under different performance categories, and combining them in a single circuit creates non-compliance unless an exception is formally evaluated and approved.

EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency

• EASA follows ICAO guidelines and reinforces that national aviation authorities must ensure compliance with uniform lighting standards.

• Mixing technologies without a standardized response across fixtures can invalidate runway certifications or lighting inspections.

These regulatory bodies prioritize pilot safety by ensuring lighting systems deliver consistent visual cues—something only achievable with homogeneous lighting technologies within a given circuit.

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Summary: Safety, Compliance, and Visual Integrity

Mixing LED and halogen lighting on the same airfield ground lighting circuit is strictly prohibited due to:

• Inconsistent photometric behavior

• Poor compatibility with CCRs

• Potential for uneven light intensity

• Most importantly, non-compliance with ICAO, FAA, and EASA standards

Airfield lighting is not just about illumination—it’s a critical safety system. Uniformity in light behavior ensures pilots receive the clear, predictable visual guidance they need in all weather and visibility conditions. Adhering to these standards isn’t just best practice—it’s a regulatory requirement designed to protect lives.

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