AWOS sensor replaced; PAPI certified and beacon operable at Rangeley airport, commission discusses runway lighting

Commission members reported that the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) was inspected earlier in January and that a sensor — described in the meeting as a dew-point/relative-humidity sensor — was replaced. Members also said the beacon is operable again and that the Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) have been certified.

During the inspection staff noted issues with connectors and a bypass condition that had kept misaligned PAPIs from failing out; the commission urged staff to verify PAPI alignment and corrective action. One participant noted the PAPIs had been in a bypass state, meaning they did not automatically fail when angles were incorrect; staff confirmed the condition had been addressed during inspection.

Members also discussed runway lighting operation and energy considerations. The meeting record shows a conversation about whether runway lighting should remain on 24/7 or be timed and whether LED upgrades could reduce operating and maintenance costs. Commissioners asked staff to check costs and the operational rationale for the current lighting schedule and to provide a recommendation at a future meeting.

No formal action was taken; staff said they would follow up on PAPI alignment, AWOS status and lighting-cost options.