Definition
A system that allows a pilot to activate or adjust airport lighting from the cockpit by keying the aircraft radio microphone a specified number of times on a designated frequency, typically the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) or a discrete lighting frequency. The number of clicks within a set time period selects the intensity level of runway, taxiway, or approach lighting at airports equipped with pilot-controlled lighting.
Plain English
At many smaller airports, the pilot turns the runway lights on, or makes them brighter or dimmer, by pressing the radio transmit button a certain number of times on the right frequency.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport lighting information, especially for night operations at airports where the lights may not stay on continuously.
Why Pilots Care
It lets pilots safely use runways at night or in low light at remote or unstaffed airports while conserving electricity and extending the life of the lights.
Intuition Check
Radio control does not mean air traffic control is controlling the airplane by radio. Here it means the pilot uses the aircraft radio to operate airport lights.
Example Sentence 1
On approach to the unlit field at night, the pilot keyed the mic seven times on the CTAF to bring the runway lights up to high intensity using radio control.
Example Sentence 2
By keying the radio five times, the pilot activated the medium-intensity lights through the radio control system.