Nick Subbotin and Darian Byrd of the Airport Technology Research & Development (ATR) branch and support technicians Jim Newman, Scott Smith, and Matt McGown installed custom baffles on lighting systems that pilots use to help navigate landings at two airports in California on September 16-20, 2024.

At Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), the local FAA office requested Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) baffles on Runway 20 to satisfy Flight Inspection Criteria. Mountain terrain in the approach path is an obstacle for pilots. Surveys and custom metal shields, called baffles, were installed inside and on the face of the VASI to block the light signal in the vicinity of the mountain terrain. This will result in a pilot needing to fly closer to the extended runway centerline to see the VASI light signal and, therefore, away from the mountain terrain. Flight Inspection Services will determine if the result is satisfactory and if it should be commissioned for use in the National Airspace System (NAS).

At Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI), the local FAA office replaced the Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) on both runway ends with a new design unit. The old REILs had baffles installed on them to reduce the intensity of the flashing lights from a nearby road and structures. Local FAA requested ATR to custom fabricate baffles for the new design units. A new design was created and installed on both REILs. Flight Inspection Services will determine if the result is satisfactory and if it should be commissioned for use in the NAS.

Nick Subbotin | Nick.Subbotin@faa.gov
Darian Byrd | Darian.A.Byrd@faa.gov