The FAA has published the draft of a newly revised Advisory Circular containing the agency’s updated standards applicable to an airport’s responsibility for installation, operation, and maintenance of precision approach path indicator (PAPI) systems. Effective six months after publication, AC 150/5345-28H is mandatory for all airport projects funded with federal grant monies through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the FAA emphasized.
This circular replaces its 2011 predecessor and applies to both two- and four-light PAPI installations. For either type of installation, the following minimum criteria must be met: operate from -31 degrees F to +131 degrees F; operate in any relative humidity up to 100 percent; operate when exposed to windborne sand and dust particles; in wind-blown rain; and in wind speeds up to 100 mph.
Some of the new material in the AC includes the requirement that PAPIs be capable of modifying the horizontal light beam coverage for obstacle avoidance in the approach area. “This can be accomplished using baffles, sometimes called blanking devices,” the FAA said. The light unit must use a protective overhang or other method to prevent rain or snow from accumulating on its lens surfaces.
Also, the light unit must be provided with a “thermostatically controlled heater to prevent dew, snow, or frost/ice from accumulating on its lens surfaces.” Lamps with a minimum rated life of 1,000 hours must be used and must be at their full intensity within five seconds after a cold start. If LED lamps are used, they must have a minimum rated life of 50,000 hours.
Comments on the AC are due by February 12.