5.3 Signalling lamp

In accordance with CS ADR-DSN.K.500 to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 [7], ICAO Circular 211-AN/128 [18] paragraphs 26 and 29, and in line with EUROCONTROL Manual for AFIS [41] Sections 3.6.7 and 4.2.2.3, the remote tower infrastructure should allow the ATCO/AFISO to communicate via a signalling lamp (e.g. in the case of radiotelephony or data link communication failure). In order to enable the ATCO/AFISO to communicate via the signalling lamp, remote command capabilities of the signalling lamp from the remote tower should be in place. For this purpose, the means of directing the signalling lamp towards the applicable aircraft/vehicle/personnel may be combined with the binocular functionality. The remote tower system should have the means to ensure that the remote command of the signalling lamp is effectively performed and the means for the ATCO/AFISO to detect any potential failure in its functionality. The location of the signalling lamp at the aerodrome concerned should also be published in the AIP, so that pilots know from where to expect the signals. The remote operation of the signalling lamp might be subject to delays due to communication latency from the remote facility to the aerodrome infrastructure. The maximum allowable delay should be determined by the local safety assessment taking into account the operational context in order to ensure the ATCO’s/AFISO’s ability to act timely.