Definition
A system that allows a pilot to activate or adjust the intensity of an airport's runway and approach lighting from the cockpit by keying the aircraft's radio microphone a specified number of times on the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) or designated lighting frequency. Typical operation involves keying the mic seven times within five seconds for highest intensity, five times for medium, and three times for lowest, with the lights remaining on for approximately 15 minutes before automatically extinguishing.
Plain English
At many smaller airports, the runway lights aren't left on all night. The pilot turns them on by clicking the radio mic button several times on the airport's frequency. The number of clicks sets how bright the lights are, and they stay on for about 15 minutes.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport information, instrument approach planning, and night or low-visibility arrivals, especially at airports without an operating control tower.
Why Pilots Care
Provides essential runway illumination for safe night operations where no tower staff is present to turn lights on.
Intuition Check
Pilot controlled does not mean the pilot has a light switch in the cockpit. It means the airport lights respond to the pilot clicking the radio microphone on the correct frequency.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the unattended airport at night, she tuned the CTAF and keyed the mic seven times to bring the runway lights up to full intensity.
Example Sentence 2
With the PCL on, the runway lights remained illuminated long enough for the pilot to complete the approach and landing.