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Board discusses new ramp lights, helicopter visibility and dark‑sky requirements
Summary
Board members and staff discussed newly installed ramp lights that meet local dark-sky rules but produce mixed color temperatures; officials said lights are automatic, meet FAA specs, and the helicopter hover‑taxi design was deliberate to reduce FOD risk.
The board discussed new ramp lighting that has been energized after installation; Director said the lights operate automatically and meet local dark-sky lumen requirements but several members noted differing color temperatures (some lights look 'orangish' while others are bright white).
"They go on automatically... most of them are online," the Airport Director said, while another board member noted the lighting appeared mismatched when driving by late at night. Engineer Jud Hill said the layout accounts for helicopter hover-taxi approaches to avoid blowing FOD onto taxiways and aircraft parking: "If they land on the runway, hover taxi over the taxiway, and use the lead in lines, then they can rotate around."
Members raised concerns about visibility for helicopters approaching from the west and about thermal visibility for night-vision operations, noting LEDs put off less heat and are less visible in thermal imaging. Staff suggested striping or high-visibility paint as an option and said the lights meet FAA requirements but the board could decide whether to keep them in place long-term.
