How Often Should Airfield Lighting Be Inspected? A Caribbean Airport Guide

Airfield ground lighting (AGL) should be checked on a layered schedule: a quick visual and operational check daily or per shift, a more detailed inspection monthly, and a full photometric and electrical inspection at least annually — plus extra checks after storms, power events, or any reported outage. In the Caribbean, salt air, humidity, heavy rain, and hurricane season make consistent inspection especially important.

Why regular inspection matters

Airfield lighting guides aircraft during taxi, takeoff, and landing, so reliability is a safety issue, not just a maintenance one. Burned-out lamps, dim fittings, water ingress, corroded connectors, and failing constant current regulators (CCRs) can reduce visibility for pilots and, if left unaddressed, lead to runway or taxiway closures. Catching these early is far cheaper than an emergency repair or an unplanned closure.

What a thorough inspection covers

A complete airfield lighting inspection looks at runway, taxiway, and approach lighting; constant current regulators and the series circuits they feed; isolation transformers and connectors; control and monitoring systems; and light output (photometric performance) against the required standards. Findings are logged so you can track recurring problems and plan parts replacement before failures happen.

The Caribbean factor

Coastal and island airports deal with corrosion from salt air, moisture intrusion, and storm damage more than inland airports do. That typically means more frequent connector and fitting checks, attention to drainage around in-pavement fixtures, and keeping critical spare parts on hand so repairs are not delayed waiting on shipping.

Who handles airfield lighting inspection and maintenance in the Caribbean?

Caribe Service installs, inspects, and maintains airfield ground lighting for airports across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and supplies genuine ADB Safegate spare parts so repairs can be made quickly. To schedule an inspection or set up a recurring maintenance plan, call +1-787-645-8810 or email info@caribeserviceinc.com.