Definition
A pilot-activated lighting control signal in which the microphone push-to-talk switch is keyed seven times within five seconds on the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) or Unicom frequency to activate runway and approach lighting at the highest available intensity at airports equipped with pilot-controlled lighting (PCL).
Plain English
At many smaller airports, the runway lights are off until a pilot turns them on by pressing the radio's talk button seven times in five seconds on the airport's published frequency. Seven clicks gives the brightest setting.
Context Anchor
Used when controlling runway or airport lights by radio, especially at night at airports where the lights are not already being controlled for you.
Why Pilots Care
Gives the pilot immediate control over maximum runway illumination for safe night landings without needing ground personnel.
Intuition Check
Do not think of these as spoken sounds into the microphone. The “clicks” are quick presses of the radio transmit button, and the airport lighting receiver counts them.
Example Sentence 1
Ten miles out at night, the pilot tuned the CTAF and gave seven microphone clicks to bring the runway lights up to full intensity before entering the pattern.
Example Sentence 2
Before landing at the unlit field, she transmitted seven microphone clicks to ensure the lights were at their brightest setting.