Solar Airport Lighting Upgrades at Princeton Aerodrome

02 Oct Solar Airport Lighting Upgrades at Princeton Aerodrome

Summary

Princeton Aerodrome, located in British Columbia, Canada, upgraded its solar airport lighting to become a critical transportation hub for Princeton and surrounding areas. Following a devastating atmospheric river in 2021, which washed out most roads, the aerodrome required urgent upgrades to ensure reliable 24/7 air operations for emergency evacuations and supply transport. Aviation Renewables was contracted to deliver sustainable, resilient solutions to enhance the aerodrome’s operational capacity. The project involved the supply and installation of solar-powered airport lighting, including solar runway edge lights, solar Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs), solar wind cones, solar taxiway lighting, solar-powered Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs), and high mast apron floodlights, all controlled by an Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting (ARCAL) system. Completed on time and within budget, the project transformed Princeton Aerodrome into a dependable evacuation and logistics hub, leveraging renewable energy to ensure operational continuity, reduce costs, and enhance safety for the community.

Challenge: Ensuring Reliable Operations with Solar Airport Lighting

The 2021 atmospheric river event severely impacted Princeton, destroying access roads and isolating the community, highlighting the aerodrome’s critical role in emergency evacuations and supply delivery. The existing infrastructure was inadequate for 24/7 operations, with no runway lighting and limited navigational aids that hindered safe aircraft operations, particularly in adverse weather or nighttime conditions. The region’s harsh climate, with heavy rainfall, snow, and extreme temperature fluctuations, demanded durable, low-maintenance solutions capable of withstanding environmental stressors. Compliance with Transport Canada and ICAO standards was essential to ensure safety and operational reliability. Additionally, the project needed to address the community’s urgent need for a reliable evacuation option while minimizing long-term operational costs, given the aerodrome’s constrained budget. The challenge was to deliver a robust, sustainable solution under tight timelines to restore and enhance the aerodrome’s functionality.

Solution

Aviation Renewables addressed these challenges with a comprehensive, renewable energy-based approach tailored to Princeton Aerodrome’s needs. The project began with a detailed site assessment to evaluate soil and environmental conditions, ensuring solutions were optimized for reliability and resilience.

The following key deliverables were implemented:

• Solar LED Runway Lighting: High-efficiency solar LED runway lights were installed to enable safe nighttime and low-visibility operations. These TP312-compliant lights are designed for low energy consumption and durability in extreme weather.
• Solar Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs): Solar LED PAPIs were deployed to provide pilots with accurate visual glide slope guidance, enhancing landing safety and precision, critical for emergency operations.
• Solar Wind Cones: Illuminated solar wind cones were installed to improve pilot situational awareness, ensuring safe navigation in variable weather conditions.
• Solar Taxiway Lighting: Solar-powered taxiway lights were implemented to guide aircraft safely to and from the runway, supporting efficient ground operations.
• Solar-Powered Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs): Solar REILs were installed to mark runway thresholds, aiding pilots in identifying runway ends during approach, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
• High Mast Apron Floodlights: High mast floodlights were erected to illuminate the apron area, facilitating safe aircraft handling, refueling, and emergency operations at night.
• ARCAL Radio Control System: An ARCAL system was integrated to allow pilots to activate and control all lighting systems via radio, enhancing operational flexibility and energy efficiency.

Aviation Renewables’ certified technicians installed the systems, adhering to Transport Canada standards. The solar-powered solutions were strategically positioned to maximize sunlight exposure, ensuring consistent performance with minimal maintenance. The ARCAL system was configured for seamless pilot operation, reducing the need for on-site staff. Aviation Renewables provided training to aerodrome personnel, enabling long-term system maintenance. Rigorous testing and commissioning ensured all systems met safety and performance standards before handover.

Outcomes: Enhanced Safety, Cost Savings and Sustainability

The upgraded Princeton Aerodrome now supports 24/7 air operations, providing a reliable evacuation and logistics hub for the community. The solar-powered systems eliminate dependence on grid electricity, reducing operational costs and ensuring functionality during power outages. Designed for durability, the infrastructure withstands the region’s harsh climate, including heavy rain and snow. The ARCAL system enhances operational efficiency, allowing pilots to control lighting remotely, which is critical for emergency scenarios. The project has strengthened Princeton’s resilience, ensuring safe access for medical evacuations, supply deliveries, and emergency response, while supporting regional connectivity. By leveraging renewable energy, Aviation Renewables has delivered a sustainable, cost-effective solution that sets a model for rural aerodrome upgrades in disaster-prone areas.

Watch the full Project Report video to discover how this advanced solar airport lighting solution enhanced the airport operations: Princeton Airport Story.

Why Solar Airport Lighting Matters

Aviation Renewables’ work at Princeton Aerodrome demonstrates expertise in delivering sustainable, resilient aviation infrastructure under challenging conditions. The project has transformed the aerodrome into a critical lifeline for the community, enhancing safety and reliability while promoting environmental stewardship. This initiative underscores Aviation Renewables’ commitment to innovation and community resilience, establishing a benchmark for post-disaster aerodrome reconstruction.