Vertiport lighting: risks and opportunities

Urban air mobility (UAM) is taking flight, with the emergence of vertiports forcing suppliers and operators to reassess lighting and the technology that underpins it. Both in the terminal and airside, lighting will play a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability for these specialised vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft hubs.

Vertiport lighting developers are integrating cutting-edge technological developments to accommodate the unique needs of VTOLs within the urban environments they will be using. LED (light emitting diode) airfield lighting is a cornerstone of these advancements, offering energy efficiency, durability, and superior illumination. In the United States, the shift from traditional incandescent to LED airfield lighting started in 2007 with the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to call for widespread LED adoption. Technological advancements have continued since then, and lighting specialists expect further improvements such as the development of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fixtures and the use of smart lighting systems in the future. Point Lighting, based in the US state of Connecticut, has spent the last three decades specialising in heliport and marine helideck aviation lighting, and now offers a complete LED vertiport lighting system. Its portfolio includes rollover, mounted and semi-flush light fittings and an option for solar powered lighting, intended for areas where commercial or generator power is not practical.

Intelligent lighting

Tied to LED advancements are intelligent lighting systems equipped with sensors and adaptive controls which can adjust brightness and colour temperature based on real-time conditions, enhancing visibility during various weather conditions and at different times of day. Smart lighting solutions will incorporate connectivity with UAM systems, enabling seamless communication between aircraft and vertiport operations. This integration promises to facilitate precise guidance for VTOL aircraft during landing and take-off, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency. The prospect of dynamic lighting, which can change patterns and intensities, will further assist pilots in navigating complex urban landscapes, where space constraints and obstacles pose significant challenges. Point Lighting’s solar lighting circuit may be switched on by the pilot for a timed 15-minute period at least four times per night. Each new cycle can be initiated either by pressing a pushbutton on the door of the control unit or via repeated radio signal from the pilot.

Weather warnings

Vertiport lighting is a crucial enabler for providing VTOL pilots with essential meteorological information, enhancing safety and efficiency. Specialised lighting systems can signal weather conditions, such as visibility, wind speed, and direction. These lights can indicate safe landing zones and adjust colour or intensity to reflect real-time weather updates. By integrating meteorological data with lighting cues, pilots receive immediate, non-verbal information critical for navigation and landing decisions, especially in low-visibility or adverse weather conditions. This integration supports safer operations, reduces the risk of accidents, and ensures smoother landings and take-offs.

Australian vertiport developer Skyportz is integrating lighting into its meteorological information station to enhance operability. Clem Newton-Brown, Skyportz CEO, told Vertiports: “Skyportz is designing vertiport landing surfaces that will have built-in digital illuminated signage to show wind direction and speed, based on micro weather sensors located on and around the vertiport. This will give pilots the most accurate information in real time as they land and take off at the vertiport. The windsock is a tried and true method for pilots to estimate wind speed and direction. This method has been in use since the beginning of aviation and we believe that the opportunity is here now to design vertiports that have built-in functionality to improve safety, including illuminated signage for wind direction and speed.”

ATC integration

Advanced lighting systems can indicate approach paths, landing zones, and take-off points, ensuring that each VTOL aircraft follows the correct arrival or departure routings in complex and busy airspace. Dynamic lighting signals can help vertiport operators manage the sequencing of landings and take-offs, reducing the risk of collisions and improving the flow of traffic. For instance, different lighting patterns to guide aircraft to specific pads, or signal when it is safe to land or take off, akin to runway lights at traditional airports but tailored for vertical flight operations. Furthermore, vertiport lighting can be integrated with air traffic control systems, providing an additional layer of co-ordination. In the event of an emergency or sudden change in traffic conditions, lighting can be adjusted instantly to redirect aircraft, maintaining order and safety. By offering visual cues and ensuring clear communication, vertiport lighting systems help manage the complex choreography of multiple VTOLs operating simultaneously. This contributes to efficient airspace utilisation, reduces delays, and enhances the overall safety of urban air mobility operations.

Becker Avionics’ Aircraft Detection Lighting Solution for Vertiports (VPLS) is a transponder-based aircraft detection and notification solution that assists with traffic management for both Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) aircraft and the vertiports they will operate from. The system activates when an aircraft is detected, captures the aircraft’s unique flight ID and can indicate appropriate landing pads, potential dangers, or other air traffic which poses a potential hazard. The information from the VPLS can easily be incorporated into the overall operating system, aiding in advanced analytics. The system’s on-demand activation of lighting enables operators to reduce light pollution while saving energy.

The eco factor

The environmental footprint of vertiport lighting is an important consideration, especially given the urban settings in which they will be situated. Traditional lighting materials and systems can have significant environmental impacts, from energy consumption to light pollution. However, modern vertiport lighting technologies aim to mitigate these effects through several approaches. Firstly, LED lights consume significantly less energy than traditional lighting solutions. Their longevity reduces the frequency of replacements, minimising waste. Advances in materials science have also led to the development of eco-friendly lighting components. For instance, some lighting fixtures now utilise recyclable materials or those with lower environmental impact during production.

Sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand. Hali-Brite describes smart lighting systems as the “next frontier in airfield lighting technology”. The Minnesota company, which supplies lighting for airports, heliports and vertiports, explained: “Smart lighting systems can integrate with weather monitoring stations to adjust lighting levels and patterns in real time based on current weather conditions. For example, during fog or heavy rain, the system can automatically increase the brightness of runway lights to improve visibility for pilots. By utilising sensors and radar systems, smart lighting can track aircraft movements on the runway and taxiways. This enables dynamic lighting adjustments, ensuring that lights are activated only in the presence of an aircraft, thus saving energy and reducing light pollution.”

According to Hali-Brite, lighting that is capable of changing colour temperature can adapt to specific visibility needs, with warmer colours resulting in improved contrast during foggy conditions, and cooler colours enhancing visibility in clear weather. An additional benefit is the opportunity for airfield operators to remotely monitor and control the entire lighting system from a central location. “This not only simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting but also allows proactive system management. In case of technical issues or maintenance needs, personnel can quickly respond without physically inspecting each lighting fixture,” the company added.

Sola Group has partnered with eVertiSKY, a Chicago-based provider of advanced ground space and airspace infrastructure for AAM, to incorporate solar lighting into the design and construction of its Levi-Montalcini Foundation Vertiport in Italy. The partnership intends to transform final approach and take-off (FATO) areas in vertiports by implementing photovoltaic pavements with integrated LED lighting and wireless charging, thereby enhancing safety during take-off and landing. Sandra Formenton, CEO of eVertiSKY, said: “Our vision at eVertiSKY centres on integrating technologies, such as green materials and charging efficiencies, into our commitment towards sustainable urban air transportation.”

Specific demands

Vertiport lighting differs significantly from conventional airport lighting in several key areas. In addition to the environmental factors that urban vertiports must address, these sites will typically be smaller and more densely packed with infrastructure compared to traditional airports. This requires more precise and adaptable lighting solutions. Vertiport lighting systems are also more likely to be integrated with digital and smart technologies, facilitating real-time adjustments and communication with VTOL aircraft. Additionally, urban vertiports must consider the impact of lighting on nearby residents and businesses. Innovative designs and technologies focus on minimising light spillage and glare, ensuring that lighting is directed precisely where needed. Shielding and directional lighting techniques help reduce light pollution, preserving the night sky and minimising disturbances to local communities. Considering that vertiports are often in noise-sensitive urban areas, there is a trend towards integrating lighting with noise abatement strategies. By synchronising lighting with quieter operational periods and utilising sound-absorbing materials, vertiports can mitigate the impact on nearby residents.

Lighting and bird strikes

Vertiport lighting could also be used to mitigate the risk of bird strikes in VTOL operations. Bird strikes pose a serious threat to aviation safety, and with the increasing use of urban air mobility, the risk extends to VTOL aircraft in densely populated areas where birds often congregate. Effective vertiport lighting can deter birds and provide clear, safe flight paths for aircraft. Innovative lighting systems can be designed to include bird-deterrent features. For instance, lights that emit specific wavelengths or flashing patterns can disorient birds, making the vertiport area less attractive to them. Ultrasonic devices, combined with strategic lighting, can also keep birds at bay, reducing the likelihood of bird strikes. Additionally, vertiport lighting can integrate with wildlife monitoring systems. Sensors detecting bird activity could be used to trigger specific lighting sequences to alert pilots and ground crews, enabling them to take precautionary measures. Furthermore, lighting can play a role in guiding VTOL aircraft away from known bird habitats. By marking safe flight corridors with distinct light patterns, pilots can navigate around potential bird strike zones.

Testing times

UrbanV’s Test Vertiport UV-0 is to embark on testing of The Edge Company’s BCMS (Bird Concentration Monitoring) system, designed to combat bird strikes at airports. The BCMS, designed to combat bird strikes at airports, was installed at the Test Vertiport UV-0 in Fiumicino last December. The installation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UrbanV and The Edge Company, an Italian deep tech company specialising in artificial intelligence (AI), neural networks, and deep learning. The collaboration aims to provide “cutting-edge technological solutions and services on a global scale”.

Currently undergoing testing at Italy’s first test vertiport, the system has started to capture images to map the local wildlife and address potential obstacles that may arise during air taxis’ flight phases. The initiative will enable UrbanV to monitor in real time any risks associated with bird strikes and uncooperative obstacles. The monitoring process is automated and environmentally friendly, facilitated by AI. Video data captured by cameras is then processed by AI networks, automatically aggregating a vast amount of verifiable data. It should be noted that UrbanV’s Test Vertiport UV-0 benefits from its strategic location within a designated “regulatory sandbox”, an experimental zone carefully selectedand approved by the ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile), the Italian Civil Aviation Authority. This research will enable the entire sector to develop new lighting systems to address the problem, and the unique set-up allows the testing of complex interfaces between controlled airspace, similar to that of an international civil airport and the operational airspace essential for urban air services (UAS). In this context, the technology developed by the Italian SME in Rimini will be tested alongside a range of other beneficial technologies in a secure environment and in accordance with the principles of the CAA Regulatory Sandbox.

“At UrbanV, our mission is to improve people’s lives by providing a fast, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly alternative for transporting people and goods over short distances by air,” said Carlo Tursi, CEO of UrbanV. “Our vision is to become a prominent global operator of vertiport networks, starting with Italy and France, where we are working with our founding partners to establish the first AAM routes on a global scale. We are thrilled to join forces with The Edge Company, whose environmentally friendly Bird Concentration Monitoring technology promises to elevate safety standards at our vertiports. Together, we want to pioneer a groundbreaking and safe urban travel experience that prioritises not only infrastructure protection, but also the safety and satisfaction of all of our passengers.”

“The Edge Company,” explained Fabio Masci, CEO of the Italian firm, “has developed an automated bird monitoring system based on its extensive experience in the aerospace sector, combining cutting-edge technologies such as AI with natural sciences, revolutionising the approach to mitigating bird strikes.”

Setting the standard

Regulation plays a pivotal role in the deployment of vertiport lighting systems. Safety standards and environmental guidelines ensure that lighting installations do not compromise air traffic operations or urban living conditions. Key regulatory bodies such as the FAA in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe have begun developing specific standards for vertiport lighting. Areas covered by these regulations include illuminance levels, standards for minimum and maximum lighting intensities to ensure visibility without causing glare, and colour specification, such as guidelines on the temperature and spectral distribution of lights to ensure compatibility with pilot vision and aircraft systems. They also cover operational integration, including requirements for integrating lighting systems with UAM traffic management platforms to enhance co-ordination and safety, and environmental compliance, to limit energy consumption, promote the use of sustainable materials, and control light pollution.

The FAA released guidelines on markings and visual aids for vertiports in 2022, stating that lighting should enable the pilot to “both establish the location of the vertiport and identify the perimeter of the operational area”, and expressing a preference for in-pavement lighting over elevated lighting. The FAA also recommends flight path alignment arrow lighting – to indicate available approach and/or departure flight path direction – for night operations. Similarly, EASA’s ‘Prototype Technical Design Specifications for Vertiports’ goes into detail on lighting requirements. It says that lights and lighting systems installed at vertiports should be dimmable in order to reduce intensity, for example.

The advent of vertiports marks a significant step forward in urban air mobility, and lighting technology is at the heart of this transformation. By embracing advanced, sustainable, and smart lighting solutions, vertiports can ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly operations. As regulatory frameworks evolve and technological innovations continue, the lighting systems at vertiports will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban aviation, balancing the needs of safety, sustainability, and urban living.