Definition
A NOTAM contraction indicating that an object, obstruction, navigation aid, or airport feature is not equipped with operating lights. Used to notify pilots that an item normally expected to be lit — such as an obstruction, tower, or runway feature — is currently without illumination.
Plain English
It has no working lights. Something that would normally be lit up — like a tower, obstacle, or runway marker — is dark.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAMs and airport information for runways, taxiways, airports, towers, and other items where lighting affects night operations.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots need to know when lighting is unavailable to avoid night or low-visibility operations that depend on it.
Intuition Check
UNLGTD does not mean the lights are dim or reduced. It means the referenced item should be treated as not lit.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM showed the 800-foot tower north of the airport was UNLGTD, so the pilot chose a route that kept well clear of it after sunset.
Example Sentence 2
Confirm the airport is not listed as UNLGTD before a night arrival.