Definition
A NOTAM contraction used to describe the brightness level of airport or navigation lighting, typically reported as low, medium, or high.
Plain English
How bright a light is. In NOTAMs, it tells you the brightness setting of runway, taxiway, or approach lights.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAM contractions and other shortened aviation text where space is limited.
Derivation
From Latin intensus, meaning 'stretched tight' or 'strained,' which evolved into the idea of strength or degree of something. In aviation, it refers to the strength of a light's output.
Why Pilots Care
The intensity of a light, weather condition, or other reported item can affect what a pilot can see, how conditions feel, and whether extra caution is needed.
Intuition Check
Do not read intensity as emotion or effort here. In this context, it means the degree of strength, brightness, or severity being reported.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM listed the runway edge lights at low INTST during the maintenance period.
Example Sentence 2
Runway edge lights were reported at high intensity during the night arrival.