P.A.P.I. Maintenance Q&A

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights at an airport are a

very important navigational aid. They are the type of navaid that

a pilot might not utilize on a bright sunny day, but on a foggy or

snowy day, PAPI lights can be essential.

From the maintenance perspective, can maintenance personnel just

“set it and forget it” when it comes to PAPI lights? The short answer is,

“no.” The FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-26C establishes maintenance

intervals for PAPI lights and provides direction to maintenance

crews on how often PAPI lights and their components need to be

checked. If an airport’...