Flight Validation for Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS)

airsight performed a flight validation to demonstrate the functionality of an aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS). The aim of the flight validation was to show that the ADLS installed at a wind farm in the Netherlands properly detects air traffic and that relevant regulations and high safety standards of aviation are met.

The aircraft was equipped with all equipment necessary to perform the mission, incl. instrument navigation systems as well as surveillance equipment such as Mode A/C and Mode S transponder, ADSB capabilities and FLARM, which are all detected by the ADLS tested during the flight validation.

Aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) intend to reduce the impact of obstacle lighting at night to the local neighborhood, which often is perceived negatively.

First States allow autonomous aircraft detection system to be installed so that obstacle lighting is activated only when aircraft are nearby. Germany is the first State requiring the equipage of wind turbines with an aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) and other States follow with possibilities to do so, such as the Netherlands.

The flight validation carried out is part of a proof-of-concept, which has been coordinated together with the ADLS manufacturer “Deutsche Windtechnik” (DWT) and the local authorities.

If you have a related project that you would like to discuss with us, feel free to contact us via e-mail or visit our ADLS page.