Definition
An airport lighting system that the pilot activates and adjusts from the cockpit by keying the aircraft's radio microphone a specified number of times on a designated frequency, typically the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). Standard activation uses 7 mic clicks within 5 seconds for high intensity, 5 clicks for medium intensity, and 3 clicks for low intensity. Once activated, the lights remain on for a preset period, usually 15 minutes.
Plain English
Runway and approach lights at some airports stay off until a pilot turns them on by clicking the radio mic a set number of times. More clicks make the lights brighter. The lights then stay on for about 15 minutes.
Context Anchor
Seen on airport diagrams, airport sketches, chart notes, and airport information pages, especially for night operations at smaller or unattended airports.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots safe visibility for night or low-visibility operations at remote airports while conserving energy by keeping lights off until needed.
Grounding Statement
Picture arriving at a dark airport at night and using your aircraft radio like a remote switch to bring the runway lights on before landing.
Intuition Check
PCL does not mean the pilot directly controls every light by hand. It means the pilot sends a simple radio signal that tells the airport lighting system to turn on or change brightness.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the field at night, the pilot tuned the CTAF and keyed the mic seven times to bring the runway lights up to high intensity.
Example Sentence 2
After securing the aircraft, the pilot keyed the mic three times to turn the PCL off and conserve power.