Great lakes and 121 ops

scooter2525

scooter2525

Very well Member
Are you required to turn on the runway lights during the day time? Saw the other day and just watched GL come in. With runway lights up.
 
Yeah, we just turn the airport lights on for the PAPI/VASI. No other real reason.





Great lakes
Beech1900 F.O.
 
the VASI or PAPI is on even when the runway lights are off... and I have never had a problem seeing them during the day. I dont get it
 
SIUav8er said:
the VASI or PAPI is on even when the runway lights are off... and I have never had a problem seeing them during the day. I dont get it
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This is what I was going to say. The VASI/PAPI/Tri-Color generally aren't tied-in with the runway lighting systems. At night at airports with PCL runway lighting, the runway/taxiway lights will be off when not activated, but he VASI/PAPI/Tri-Color is still on and operating.
 
Haha, I'm on the 1900. I created the profile name before I started flying. The 737 was my favorite plane.

But nope the VASI/PAPI lights are off at some of the airports we fly to, unless the airports lights are turned on.
 
MikeD said:
This is what I was going to say. The VASI/PAPI/Tri-Color generally aren't tied-in with the runway lighting systems. At night at airports with PCL runway lighting, the runway/taxiway lights will be off when not activated, but he VASI/PAPI/Tri-Color is still on and operating.
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It seems to depend on the flavor of the airport. I remember training at Shafter (or was it Porterville?) near BFL and always clicking the VASI on to help trainees get an idea of path. I'd suspect the types of airports Lakes uses don't get a ton of traffic; I could see the airport manager putting the PAPI/VASI on the pilot controlled lighting.
 
I like to click the airport lights on during the day just to feel powerful. Then I chuckle maniacally.
 
When you're flying a Great Lakes, particularly in 121 ops, it is helpful to have as many visual cues as possible when landing because taildraggers are blind. The question is this...why a Great Lakes for 121 ops - you only can take one passenger and only a very small amount of luggage. Just doesn't make sense to me.
 
I agree. It wouldn't make the best of an aircraft and certainly would have a difficult time securing EAS contracts. On the other hand, at least when turning the lights on, you can use peripheral vision to make sure the tail dragger doesn't deviate from the center line. Excellent point Waco.
 
I turn the lights on out here in the middle of nowhere nebraska because that's what a lot of no radio airplanes look for. Kind of a unwritten rule. They see lights, they have their head on a swivel a bit more.
 
jhugz said:
I turn the lights on out here in the middle of nowhere nebraska because that's what a lot of no radio airplanes look for. Kind of a unwritten rule. They see lights, they have their head on a swivel a bit more.
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You're in Nebraska? Where at?
 
jhugz said:
I turn the lights on out here in the middle of nowhere nebraska because that's what a lot of no radio airplanes look for. Kind of a unwritten rule. They see lights, they have their head on a swivel a bit more.
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Interesting procedure. So instead of looking in the sky for planes, they look at the ground for lights.
 
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