LED floodlighting for the airport apron
For apron floodlighting, EASA CS ADR-DSN.M.750 gives an average of at least 20 lx horizontal at the aircraft stand, with an average-to-minimum ratio of no more than 4:1, and 20 lx vertical at a height of 2 m. Other apron areas need at least half the stand value. Stands should also receive light from at least two directions, with minimal glare for pilots, apron control, the tower and ground staff.
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Enquiry for your apronWhat matters on the apron
Bright, uniform stands
Aircraft stands need an average of at least 20 lx horizontal at no more than 4:1 and 20 lx vertical at 2 m. Vertical light matters because people work on aircraft and vehicles.
Light from several directions
A stand should receive light from at least two directions.
No glare for cockpit and tower
Glare should be minimal for pilots in flight and on the ground, apron control, the tower and ground staff.
Recognising colours reliably
The light must allow markings on aircraft, surfaces and obstacles to be identified correctly.
Masts and flight operations
Masts must not interfere with flight or vehicle operations.
Transition to taxiways and de-icing
Taxiways next to stands should have lower illuminance so the transition stays gradual.
GR ≤45
Glare rating, strictest level
10 no glare90 unbearable
Glare for pilots and tower
Direct light towards the tower and landing aircraft must be avoided, and light above the horizontal should be kept to a minimum. Pilots in large aircraft sit up to 10 m above the ground, so the view from cockpit and tower belongs in the lighting design.
- Mast position
- Tilt
- Optics
- Upward light
Light by apron area
| Average illuminance | Playing level | Lighting class | Uniformity | Glare rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20lx | Aircraft stand, horizontal | U 0.25 | ||
| 20lx | Aircraft stand, vertical | |||
| 10lx | Other apron areas | U 0.25 | ||
| 20lx | Hangar apron | U 0.1 | GR ≤ 55 | |
| 30lx | Terminal apron | U 0.2 | GR ≤ 50 | |
| 30lx | Loading areas | U 0.2 | GR ≤ 50 | |
| 50lx | Fuel depot | U 0.2 | GR ≤ 50 | |
| 200lx | Outdoor aircraft maintenance | U 0.5 | GR ≤ 45 |
Lighting requirements can vary from project to project. The requirements of the individual aerodrome and the competent authorities are decisive.
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
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Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does an aircraft stand need?
EASA CS ADR-DSN.M.750 gives an average of at least 20 lx horizontal with an average-to-minimum ratio of no more than 4:1, and 20 lx vertical at 2 m. Other apron areas need at least 50 percent of the stand value, also at no more than 4:1.
Which rules apply to apron floodlighting?
For aerodromes within EASA's scope, these are mainly the CS-ADR-DSN specifications, plus DIN EN 12464-2 for workplaces on the apron. Elsewhere, ICAO Annex 14 is the international benchmark, together with national and aerodrome rules.
What should a tender for apron floodlighting include?
At a minimum: target values per area with reference height and uniformity, light from at least two directions, glare requirements for cockpit and tower, identification of colours and markings, permitted mast positions and heights, and proof by a lighting calculation using the data of the luminaires offered.
May the light shine towards the runway or approach?
Not if that makes it dangerous. ICAO Annex 14, 5.3.1.1 requires a non-aeronautical ground light that might endanger aircraft to be extinguished, screened or otherwise modified so that the danger is eliminated.
Does this also apply to small aerodromes?
EASA exempts aprons used primarily for recreational flying. Clarify whether and how your apron must be lit with the aerodrome operator and the competent authority.
Does the lighting calculation replace coordination with the aviation authority?
No. It shows illuminance, uniformity and glare on the surface. Mast positions, obstacle clearance and aviation approvals are clarified by the aerodrome operator and the competent bodies.
Enquiry for your apron
Send us a site plan or bill of quantities. We will get back to you with an initial assessment.
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