Description

Pilot-Controlled Lighting (PCL), also known as Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting (ARCAL) or Pilot-Activated Lighting (PAL), is a system that allows aircraft pilots to control the lighting of an airport or airfield's approach lights, runway edge lights, and taxiways via radio.

Function

At some airfields, the airport/aerodrome beacon may also be PAL controlled. PAL is most common at non-towered airports or little-used airfields where it is neither economical to light the runways all night, nor to provide staff to turn the runway lighting on and off. It enables pilots to control the lighting only when required, saving electricity and reducing light pollution.