Initially selling popular and affordable aircraft lights, the company has moved into helipads and runways. As a test bed for the new state-of-the-art LED runway lights, Smooth installed runway lighting at Sleap Airfield (EGCV) on runway 18/36

The Lights

Runway Lighting is nothing new, but LED lights have arrived and changed the way we should look at them.

The traditional style incandescent bulbs that run off 3000 volts and Constant Current Regulators are inefficient and expensive. The lights from Smooth run from an easy and safe 230-volt connection resulting in fast and uncomplicated install and low running costs.

There is to be APAPI’s installed in the coming weeks. The entire runway lighting system at Sleap, comprising of 24 edge lights, 10 taxi lights and 20 threshold lights uses roughly 4amps. A kettle uses 13 amps. The lights are bright enough for day use too, with pilots reporting perfect landings when the lights are on.

The Installation

After CAA approval work began on the 16th of September to the 4th of October. Runway 18/36 (one of two at Sleap) was NOTAM’d closed while work began. 2.5 kilometres of trenches were dug with cables quickly being laid and holes core-drilled.

With the first light switch on being a complete success the runway was checked and opened ready for the night flying season to begin.

Sleap Airfield

With runway 23/05 and 18/36 now both lit, Sleap can boast a rare title of being a dual lit GA airfield, making night flying and training more flexible with the wind.

Sleap Airfield manager Nathan Cross said: “Winter night operations at Sleap Aerodrome have been a hit and miss affair, with lighting installed only on runway 23/05. I am most impressed with the standard of finish and reliability of the install, Shropshire Aero Club looks forward to a busy winter period at Sleap Aerodrome.”

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