Radioluminescent lights score high in VFR (visual flight rules) night air taxi tests

Journal Article · · North. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5189777

Jensen, G A; Leonard, L E; Powell, J A

Alaska and other far northern areas have logistical, environmental and economic problems that make tritium-powered radioluminescent (RL) lighting, especially at airfields, an attractive alternative to electrical systems and flare pots. RL lights have been under development by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for use in tactical operations and wherever electrical utility or portable power is unavailable or difficult and uneconomical to obtain. The lights were tested by pilots, as described here, specifically to provide a formal initial evaluation of an RL runway lighting system that could lead to FAA approval for use in nighttime aircraft operations under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). All testing was completed under high-visibility visual flight rules (VFR) conditions (10 statute miles or greater). The FAA test supervisor concluded that the RL system was acceptable under the good meteorological conditions prevailing then. However, more testing will be needed at or near VFR minimums (2- to 3-statute mile visibility) before full approval is obtained. Pilots' responses in this test and in other tests have provided much information and given incentive to the development of RL lights.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 5189777
• Journal Information: North. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: North. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 19:1; ISSN NOEND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
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BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
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ENERGY SYSTEMS
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RADIOLUMINESCENCE
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