Airfield Lighting and Navigational Aids

At McClure, we understand that the success of every takeoff, landing, and taxi operation depends on systems that work precisely—day or night, rain or shine. Our team specializes in the design, upgrade, and maintenance of airfield lighting and navigational aids (NAVAIDs) that ensure operational safety and efficiency for general aviation and commercial airports.

These systems are essential for runway visibility, airspace awareness, and aircraft positioning in all weather conditions. With our deep technical knowledge and experience, McClure delivers solutions that meet FAA standards and keep airfields operating at their best.

Lighting Systems for Safety and Clarity

Airfield lighting systems provide critical visual cues for pilots, especially during low visibility operations. Each lighting element serves a specific purpose, helping to define aircraft movement areas and prevent accidents.

Runway and Taxiway Lighting

These systems outline runway edges, thresholds, and taxi routes.

• White lights mark runway edges
• Red/green threshold lights identify takeoff and landing boundaries
• Blue lights indicate taxiway edges, helping pilots safely move between runways and hangars

Proper design and spacing of these lights are essential for compliance and pilot recognition.

Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)

ALS extends outward from the runway to guide pilots during instrument-to-visual flight transitions. These systems range from simple light bars to high-intensity configurations, depending on the airport’s size and category.

Obstruction Lighting

These high-intensity, often flashing lights alert pilots to tall structures such as towers, antennas, or cranes within or near the flight path. Obstruction lighting helps ensure that airspace remains navigable, even in urban or construction-heavy environments.

Navigational Aids

Navigational aids (NAVAIDs) support safe and reliable flight operations by providing accurate positional data and directional guidance. McClure engineers plan, site, and integrate these systems based on airfield layout and air traffic needs.

Visual NAVAIDs

• Beacons: High-intensity lights that mark airport locations at night
• Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASIs): Provide visual descent angle guidance during final approach

These tools enhance pilot situational awareness and complement radio-based systems.

Radio NAVAIDs

• Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs)
• Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) systems
• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)

These radio frequency systems guide aircraft through en-route navigation and final approach, enabling precision landings even in low visibility conditions.

Benefits of LED Systems in Modern Airport Operations

Continuing to rely on traditional incandescent airfield lighting systems is increasingly impractical given current technological advancements. LED lighting offers significant improvements that enhance both operational efficiency and safety, including:

• Energy consumption reductions of up to 80%
• Extended service life, with bulbs lasting 5 to 10 times longer
• Improved visibility and color rendering in adverse weather conditions
• Decreased maintenance frequency and associated costs

In today’s aviation environment, characterized by heightened focus on sustainability, reliability, and safety, transitioning to LED lighting systems represents a strategic and cost-effective modernization.

The Importance of Maintenance

Airfield lighting and NAVAIDs are only effective when functioning properly. At McClure, we provide ongoing support for these systems, including:

• Routine inspections and calibration
• Troubleshooting and emergency repairs
• Compliance testing and FAA coordination

Understanding that every facility has unique operational needs and budget considerations, McClure also offers strategic solutions to integrate new technology into existing electrical systems or perform complete system upgrades. This flexible approach ensures that your airfield lighting remains both modern and fully operational over the long term.

Downtime isn’t an option—our team ensures lighting and navigation systems remain reliable, responsive, and regulation-ready.

Partner with McClure for Your Airfield System Needs

Airfield safety starts with infrastructure pilots can count on. Whether you’re upgrading lighting for an existing runway, expanding your navigational aid network, or planning a new facility, McClure offers the expertise to deliver results that align with your operational goals and FAA requirements.

Airfield Lighting and Navigational Aids

At McClure, we understand that the success of every takeoff, landing, and taxi operation depends on systems that work precisely—day or night, rain or shine. Our team specializes in the design, upgrade, and maintenance of airfield lighting and navigational aids (NAVAIDs) that ensure operational safety and efficiency for general aviation and commercial airports.

These systems are essential for runway visibility, airspace awareness, and aircraft positioning in all weather conditions. With our deep technical knowledge and experience, McClure delivers solutions that meet FAA standards and keep airfields operating at their best.

Lighting Systems for Safety and Clarity

Airfield lighting systems provide critical visual cues for pilots, especially during low visibility operations. Each lighting element serves a specific purpose, helping to define aircraft movement areas and prevent accidents.

Runway and Taxiway Lighting

These systems outline runway edges, thresholds, and taxi routes.

• White lights mark runway edges
• Red/green threshold lights identify takeoff and landing boundaries
• Blue lights indicate taxiway edges, helping pilots safely move between runways and hangars

Proper design and spacing of these lights are essential for compliance and pilot recognition.

Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)

ALS extends outward from the runway to guide pilots during instrument-to-visual flight transitions. These systems range from simple light bars to high-intensity configurations, depending on the airport’s size and category.

Obstruction Lighting

These high-intensity, often flashing lights alert pilots to tall structures such as towers, antennas, or cranes within or near the flight path. Obstruction lighting helps ensure that airspace remains navigable, even in urban or construction-heavy environments.

Navigational Aids

Navigational aids (NAVAIDs) support safe and reliable flight operations by providing accurate positional data and directional guidance. McClure engineers plan, site, and integrate these systems based on airfield layout and air traffic needs.

Visual NAVAIDs

• Beacons: High-intensity lights that mark airport locations at night
• Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASIs): Provide visual descent angle guidance during final approach

These tools enhance pilot situational awareness and complement radio-based systems.

Radio NAVAIDs

• Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs)
• Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) systems
• Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)

These radio frequency systems guide aircraft through en-route navigation and final approach, enabling precision landings even in low visibility conditions.

Benefits of LED Systems in Modern Airport Operations

Continuing to rely on traditional incandescent airfield lighting systems is increasingly impractical given current technological advancements. LED lighting offers significant improvements that enhance both operational efficiency and safety, including:

• Energy consumption reductions of up to 80%
• Extended service life, with bulbs lasting 5 to 10 times longer
• Improved visibility and color rendering in adverse weather conditions
• Decreased maintenance frequency and associated costs

In today’s aviation environment, characterized by heightened focus on sustainability, reliability, and safety, transitioning to LED lighting systems represents a strategic and cost-effective modernization.

The Importance of Maintenance

Airfield lighting and NAVAIDs are only effective when functioning properly. At McClure, we provide ongoing support for these systems, including:

• Routine inspections and calibration
• Troubleshooting and emergency repairs
• Compliance testing and FAA coordination

Understanding that every facility has unique operational needs and budget considerations, McClure also offers strategic solutions to integrate new technology into existing electrical systems or perform complete system upgrades. This flexible approach ensures that your airfield lighting remains both modern and fully operational over the long term.

Downtime isn’t an option—our team ensures lighting and navigation systems remain reliable, responsive, and regulation-ready.

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT