Now Open: ALT Training Academy – The Future of AGL Training Starts Here

Now Open: ALT Training Academy – The Future of AGL Training Starts Here

We’re proud to officially launch the ALT Training Academy, a brand-new, purpose-built training facility based in Wickford, Essex – designed to revolutionise how Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) professionals develop their skills.

Whether you’re involved in airfield design, installation, maintenance, or regulatory oversight, our Academy offers tailored, modular training programs aligned with ICAO and regional standards. With six dedicated AGL training courses and a strong emphasis on simulation-based, practical learning, we ensure that every participant gains real, applicable knowledge.

What makes us different? We begin with a Training Needs Analysis (TNA), making sure your training is relevant, efficient, and directly aligned with your operational requirements—no off-the-shelf content here.

Our facilities include immersive learning environments, modern equipment, and instruction from some of the most respected professionals in the industry. From initial training to recurrent and continuation development, ALT is your new home for building operational competence and compliance.

Explore the Academy and view course details now:
www.airfieldlightingsystems.co.uk/alt-training

For booking enquiries or to discuss your team’s training needs, contact us on +44 1702 547866 or email info@alt-training.com.

#AGLTraining #ALTTrainingAcademy #AviationExcellence #AirfieldLighting #ICAOCompliance #AviationTraining

 

 

Blackbushe Airport installs new ALCMS Control System.

IAVNA has completed a major upgrade of the AGL lighting at Blackbushe Airport in Surrey.  The installation consisted of super bright LED light fittings from ALS for the Runway Edge, Guard lights, Signs, Wind Cones and a complete customised ALCMS control system. The Pathfinder control system is PLC based has an Arcal radio control interface and can be used out of hours by the air ambulance service. Also installed were ALS LED PAPI units, with a power consumption of 57W, the ALS PAPI is significantly more economical than similar products. This allows the pilot to establish and maintain an exact glide path to the runway for the final landing approach phase, right to the touchdown point during daytime and night

 

 

 

London Heliport gets a Birthday makeover

The London Heliport is celebrating its 65th birthday this month. It has just completed works to improve its FATO (final approach and take off) with new lighting and safety netting. Fresh fuel tanks are also in the pipeline. The work was completed by L.G. Electrical who chose ALS LED lighting for the project.  Some 40  ALS Heliport FATO lights were chosen along with a new control system.

Mathew Rice, Heliport Manager said “To say I am pleased with the results is an understatement! 30+ years the lights and netting had been there, hopefully these ones will be there for many more”.

Ultra Slim Signs

ALS’s new LED Ultra Slim Signs have been specifically designed for global airfield applications.

At just 44mm width and made from a strong aluminium alloy, they are both tough and lightweight making them easier and faster to install.  They can also withstand wind speeds of 480 km/h. The power supply is mounted on the back for speedy access and maintenance.

  • Solid and robust body structure can withstand wind speeds of up to 480km/h.
  • UV resistant front panel to prevent fading.
  • High impact resistance and durability in all weather conditions.
  • Crisp clear front legend to improve visibility at longer distances.
  • High performance LED lighting provides uniform light distribution over all face.
  • No Glare.
  • Low energy consumption (LED strip on the top is serviceable and has a high heat sink surround).
  • Thermal design of the body manages heat dissipation and prolongs the life span of the LED light source.
  • Compatible with all types of traditional thyristor and new IGBT CCRs, outputting constant current between 2.8 and 6.6A.

Polaris Portable Light Fittings Now Available in RGBW

NEW – The popular and versatile Polaris Portable LED lighting systems for Airports (Battery or Solar Powered Options) is now available for the first time as an RGBW (Red, Blue, Green, White) LED option all in one. It means the fitting is suitable for use in even more applications on the Airfield or Heliport.

  • 15 hours maximum recharge time
    Simple drop-in charging system
  • Low voltage battery protection
  • Control options: manual, photocell or radio
  • Flashing or steady signal
  • Charge level indication
  • RGBW LED selectable colours (Red, Blue, Green, White)
  • No lamp changing for the entire lifetime of the light unit
  • Tested for wind / jet blast up to 322 Km/h
  • Extended battery life

Southampton Goes Smart

Southampton Airport completes major lighting upgrade.

The first Runway in the UK to install SmartBolts.

Southampton International Airport (SOU) has just completed an extension to its main runway and upgrade of its airfield lighting to new LED fittings from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex. 

The 164m extension to the northern end of Southampton’s runway will allow the airport to attract new airlines and offer new routes, creating exciting opportunities for business and leisure, while guaranteeing the airport’s viability.    

The upgrade makes history as the airport chose to install SmartBolts from ALS on the Runway making it the first airport in the UK to do so. 140 SmartBolts were used to secure the Runway Centerline fittings in a new initiative to reduce FOD and reduce maintenance time by utilising the visual identification system on the bolt. 

SmartBolts have a colour indicator built in that works on tension and when the bolts are at the correct setting the SmartBolt indicator turns black.  If during a routine inspection, the bolts appear red then the engineer knows action is required.

The project also saw 126 x ALS LED Inset Runway Centerline installed, 59 x LED Approach lights, 56 x LED Elevated Runway Edge Lights, 20 x LED Threshold Wing Bars, 5 x LED Runway End,  10 x LED Inset Runway Edge lights and all were installed using our high precision sighting device. Alongside this were all the necessary adaptor rings, transformers, cables, and connector kits.

The project was handled by Volker Fitzpatrick who worked closely with ALS to ensure the meticulous planning of the project was completed smoothly.

Keith Spicer said, ”We were delighted to work closely with the team at Volker Fitzpatrick on this project and thrilled that Southampton chose to be the first runway in the UK to utilise the SmartBolts safety product in its runway centreline lights.”

A brighter future at the Mount.

June 2023, The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has just completed work at the Mount Pleasant Airfield in the Falkland Islands with Mitie and Gatwick Construction to install new LED lighting and Signs from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.     

An RAF A400M is recovered to a hangar at Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands. (Crown Copyright, MOD 2019)

Work has concluded on an almost £7 million Defence Infrastructure Organisation Project, to extend the lifespan of the runaway at the Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC).  

This is particularly important given that it is used for the airbridge flights to and from the UK, for LATAM flights connecting the Falkland Islands to South America, and the Falkland Island Government Air Service (FIGAS) which connects MPC with the outlying islands of the Falklands.

The upgrade involved the installation of 80 LED internally Edge lit ALS signs installed on the airfield.  ALS have been making signs since 2008 in the UK and have a unique design Innovative design of mounting poles that go through the sign itself to keep it stable during installation and operation.  This design feature also facilitates easier installation.

Their range of LED internally lit ICAO/EASA/CAP168 compliant guidance signs, single or double sided are at the forefront of new technology, ALS have designed their LED Taxiway signs to be both energy efficient and require minimal maintenance. The construction utilises the robustly designed ALS cabinet and uses stainless steel fixings throughout which ensures optimal performance despite the arduous weather conditions experienced in the Falkland’s.

The Project also included the provision of 29 ALS Runway Guard Lights, necessary primary AGL cables and 13 non-illuminated signs.

 

The installation of the products was carried out by Gatwick Construction Limited a partner of ALS, who were present on-site alongside MITIE to supervise the installation process. They were both satisfied with the service provided and by the performance of the lights. The order was delivered on schedule to allow for transport by sea.

New partnership with GRP Illuminacion to promote their unique Earth Fault Detection System.

IAVNA are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with GRP Illuminacion to promote their unique Earth Fault Detection System to the UK Airfield market.

Introducing the Earth Fault Detection System, the latest addition to our line of innovative solutions.

This critical system is designed to quickly pinpoint any faults that occur between the live conductors and earth in AGL systems, reducing maintenance costs and associated issues.EFDS uses advanced technology to continuously monitor the current flow and detect any imbalances between the live conductors and earth conductor. If any faults are detected, the system will trip the circuit, isolating the fault and preventing further damage or injury.

With our Earth Fault Detection System, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your AGL systems while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

LED Aircraft Stand Manoeuvering Guidance Lights (Apron)

The ALS LED Inset Aircraft Stand Manoeuvring Lights are a new addition to our extensive LED range.

They’re suitable for apron applications and utilise the latest super bright LED technology available in the field.

The range is comprehensive and includes SBS/IN-R Unidirectional Red, TE/IN-Y Omnidirectional yellow and TE/IN-R Omnidirectional Red models.

LED provide long life and low maintenance operation, very low power consumption and reduced running costs compared to halogen (a saving of typically 80%).

They’re sturdy and compact with a low protrusion of less than 6.3 mm above ground level but do not compromise safety; in fact, the standard light comes equipped with self learning fail open technology for extra protection.

Accessories

  • 8″ or 12″ base assemblies (bottom/side entry)
  • Adaptor ring 12″ to allow 8″ fitting installation
  • Lifting tool
  • SmartBolts

Kruger ups its game.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa has just completed the installation of 20 x MCR400 units from ALS in the UK at its prestigious airport in the heart of South Africa.

Airfield Lighting Systems microprocessor controlled CCR was chosen as a highly reliable, user friendly, extremely low life-cycle cost product.  It is widely used by civilian and military airports all over the world.

The constant current regulator MCR400 is the “most popular” in a line of regulators specifically intended for the supply of series circuits for use on airfield lighting circuits.

HV Probe & Proving Units

 

Features

  • Ergonomic design
  • Portable and robust
  • Probes are passive in operation, no power source required
  • Proving unit to verify probes before and after tests
  • Proving unit supplied with a standard 9v battery (PP9)

Applications

  • Prove circuits dead
  • AGL circuits
  • Fixed ground power units

Specifications 

  • 55 – 5000 VAC
  • 75 – 7500 VDC

Planning for the future.

Leeds Bradford International Airport has just completed an upgrade of its airfield lighting system infrastructure from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex. 

Leeds Bradford International Airport is seeing passenger numbers increase and more flight movements and is expecting to see this increase further following Covid restrictions lifting.

The upgrade saw 18 MCR400 Constant Current Regulators installed at the Airport to provide more versatility and control options for the various lighting circuits on the airfield operations.

ALS have been manufacturing CCR’s for many years and have a close working relationship with Leeds Bradford.  The CCR’s were specified and a full training program was provided recently by the company’s technical experts on site. 

Constant Current Regulator MCR400

The constant current regulator MCR400 is the “most popular” in a line of regulators specifically intended for the supply of series circuits for use on airfield lighting circuits.

To comply with statutory regulations, the CCR cabinet housing is divided into three areas, electronic control, low voltage area and main high voltage area.

The electronic control area is situated behind a hinged panel at the front of the cabinet with no access to the other areas.

The constant current regulator MCR400 is supplied as a free-standing unit, with or without castors. Requiring minimum floor space, it is available in ratings from 1.5kW to 30kW.

With the standard high speed built in serial data communications, the Constant Current Regulator (CCR) can communicate with most PC or PLC control systems

AGL Advancement Group in Saudi Arabia

AGL is delighted to annouce its participation in the prestigous Saudi Airport Show in November.

The event is held in the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh between Nov 7 and 8th 2022 and the company is promising some exciting new products to be demonstrated for the first time to mark the occasion.

 

Largest stock holding of original OSRAM Airfield lamps in the UK

IAVNA has been an approved supplier of OSRAM lamps to the Airfield market in the UK for over 40 years.  

Holding a large quantity of precision manufactured, high performance, quality original lamps in our modern heated warehouse facility in Wickford, allows us to react with speed and provide you with lamps you know are manufactured and stored to the highest standards.  

The company holds the ISO 9001 quality standard which confirms the administration processes, internal auditing and traceability of all products is approved and this is re-tested annually.

The Norfolk Mighty Hike

Our fearless production manager Dave Johnson and his wife have just completed The Norfolk Mighty Hike for Macmillan Cancer Research.

Raising over £500 in the process they completed the 14 mile hike in fantastic weather and were still talking to each other at the end!

Congratulations to Dave and Carla for their terrific effort and well done from all at ALS.

Previous
Next

See the quality for yourself!

Ever wonder what is inside the products you buy and specify?   We go the extra mile to make sure our quality standards are very high.  This includes X-rays of the products to make sure after production everything is perfect and as it should be.  Particularly with transformers that are potted, you simply can’t see if everything is ok.  Don’t worry ALS ones are perfect as you can see below and will last a long, long time.

National Air Police Service (NPAS) goes green.

ALS has recently supplied a number of special Helipad portable light fittings to the National Air Police Service (NPAS).

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) provides borderless air support to the police forces across England and Wales 24/7/365 from a national network of bases.

The PLB500 portable light has been designed to be compact and robust, with a weight kept to a minimum to facilitate easy handling during transportation and use.  The Helipad model comes complete with a green lens.

It is easily charged by simply plugging in a cable to the socket located on the top section of the housing.

Larger chargers that hold 5, 10 or 20 units can be ordered as can a mobile trailer for easy storage and deployment.

Click here to see our Heliport Range

British-Irish Airports Expo Show London June 22-23 2022

AGL Advancement group is delighted to be exhibiting at the British-Irish Airports Expo Show in June.

Situated at Excel London Center this year’s Airport Show is set to further innovate the global airports industry.

A full program of conference events and exhibitors are participating.

  • New innovations expected to make an impact in the industry
  • Rising technologies under research and development
  • Conference talks with leaders and experts
  • Networking and connection with key players.

Please come and visit us on Stand D5 to find out more about the latest products for 2022 and to see the major new product that will be unveiled at the show.

Visit the show website here

Airport Show Dubai May 17-19 2022

AGL Advancement group is delighted to be exhibiting at the Dubai Airport Show in May.

Situated in the Dubai World Trade Center this year’s Airport Show is set to further innovate the global airports industry.

A full program of conference events and exhibitors are participating.

  • New innovations expected to make an impact in the industry
  • Rising technologies under research and development
  • Conference talks with leaders and experts
  • Networking and connection with key players.

Please come and visit us on Stand 2010 to find out more about the latest products for 2022 and to see the major new product that will be unveiled at the show.

Visit the show website here

Wingframe Sign Configurator

ALS have been using the industry leading Wingframe software for many years to provide you with precision engineered and perfectly sized signs.

You can now have direct access to the software yourself to design and specify your own custom made signs. 

All the cabinets and sign facias are available from a global catalogue and the software automatically checks each design to ensure ICAO or ESAS compliance.  If it is approved you can then send this to ALS for a quotation and delivery estimate.

Direct access to the site is via our website main menu / Services / Design / Wingframe or this link here 

Wingframe comes with collaboration tools for easy communication with your client/supplier. Create your quote using the material generated by Wingframe.

When the order is approved simply download the print files and send them to ALS for production. Wingframe provides standards compliant vector files for print, as well as grid files with measurements for verification.

A wide variety of choices are available covering ICAO signs, mandatory instructions signs, No entry, Gate, Stand identification VOR checkpoint for example.

All are fully customizable with content, legend height and panel size. 

Give us a call today when you next need a sign a receive an impressive Wingframe quotation back that you can forward to your clients.

Expanded Heliport Range

ALS has now expanded its existing range of LED heliport lighting with three new families of LED products to cater for every new project requirement.

By adding Heliport Circle Markers (H & TD/PM), Flat and Inset fittings to the range the company has a precision-engineered, low energy solution for all applications on Heliports and Helidecks.

New datasheets are available on the website.  If you would like any further information at all or a free lighting design undertaken please give us a call, we would be happy to help you.

H Circle TD/PM Lights

TD/PM Circle-H offshore Helideck landing system for Helicopters.

Manufactured in tough LED panels, CAP437 approved lights in Circle and “H” shapes.

Offshore Heliports employ a wide range of offshore landing facilities, including touchdown lighting system, positioning and circle markings

Flat lights

The ALS 9W Flat LED lights are designed specifically for Heliports, Helipads and Offshore Platforms.

This Flat range is particularly useful for installation on the ground surface where there is no access or option for buried cable trenches.  This makes for a fast and speedy installation

Inset Fittings

The ALS 9W Inset Heliport lighting fixtures are using a common body and power converter.

They are used for FAT, TLOF and Taxiway Edge installations. 

There is a comprehensive range of five models to provide all the complete options necessary for operating a Heliport.

ALS awarded prestigious “Made in Britain” status

Made in Britain are committed to helping the Great British trade market.  As a British company ourselves, we have now joined this growing community following our successful inspection. 

We are delighted to be able to use this mark now on our products manufactured in our Wickford factory in Essex to highlight their British heritage to the rest of the world.

The Made in Britain logo is Britain’s mark of excellence.

It shows our continued commitment to local manufacturing in our community and both the dedication and skill of our staff in achieving this standard.

Made in Britain Site

Inter Airport 2021 New Products

Nov 8th, AGL Advancement Group UK, the owners of International Airport Visual & Navigational Aids Limited (IAVNA), Airfield Lighting Systems (ALS) and Parkinson Richmark (Richmark) announce key new products at Inter Airport, Europe’s leading Airport Exhibition.

The company under its ALS brand is delighted to announce three new product families at the Munich exhibition, increasing its LED range of Airfield Ground Light Fittings (AGL) substantially.

An LED PAPI is the main new flagship product. With a power consumption of 57W this PAPI is significantly more economical than similar products. This fitting is manufactured from high quality, tough 6mm aluminium to provide outstanding thermal heat management and stability. It is easy to maintain and clean, set up is quick and easy on site making it a good choice for installers.

 

Additionally, there is a brand new range of SFL (Sequence Flashing Lights) added to the range, consisting of inset and elevated lights. These are compliant with FAA and ICAO recommendations and can be used in conjunction with existing approach lights.

 

Also added to the range of popular DTS fittings is a brand new inset light featuring circling guidance particularly useful in runway edge lighting. The fitting has a high impact design and has four additional prisms to provide the omni-directional component.

Inter Airport Exhibition Munich Nov 9-12

We are delighted to announce that we will be exhibiting in Munich in November at the Inter Airport show.

We are launching three exciting new LED fittings for our ALS range.  Additionally we will be featuring our SmartBolts and new professional Airlifter tools.

We are in Hall B5 Stand 1318 please come and say hello!

Brize Norton upgrade completed!

June 2021, RAF Brize Norton has just undertaken a major upgrade of its airfield runway lighting system from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS). The RAF commissioned extensive works at its largest UK base to provide new LED Lighting, Cabling and Signs for this important hub.

 

RAF Brize Norton is located in Oxfordshire, and is the largest station of the Royal Air Force. It has approximately 5,800 Service Personnel, 1,200 contractors and 300 civilian staff based on site.

The Station is home to the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the RAF’s Strategic and Tactical Air Transport (AT) and Air-to-Air Re-fueling (AAR) forces, as well as host to many others.

The upgrade was designed using ALS Fittings and included over 90 LED elevated Approach Lights, 100 inset Approach Lights, Threshold Wing bars and Uni-directional Fittings. The LED lighting is universal and operates on the existing CCR’s on site to provide a low energy, low running cost solution.

Levertech Aviation Services, Manchester was the main contractor for the project; they found the fittings easy to install and fast to commission.

RAF Odiham installs new LED lighting

August 2021, RAF Odiham in Hampshire has completed the upgrade of its airfield runway lighting system from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.

Image Crown Copyright MOD 2021

RAF Odiham is a Royal Air Force station situated a little to the south of the village of Odiham in Hampshire, England. It is the home of the Royal Air Force’s heavy-lift helicopter, the Chinook.  The RAF has been on the site since 1925 and it was upgraded to a permanent airfield in 1937.

A total of 156 new ALS DTS approach lights were installed for the runway upgrade to LED.  These are powered by 16 new MCR405 CCR controllers to provide the 6.6A output required.  This was topped off with over 50Km of new cabling to provide a long-term framework solution for the airbase.

Several new signs, runway edge fittings, transformers and IRDM (LED Runway Distance Markers) were also installed for the project by specialist contractor Levertech Aviation Services.

Commenting on the new installation Mr Neil Smith, AGL Project Manager at Levertech said “ALS provided a first-class service with the project.  They hold a significant amount of stock, so we were able to install it much faster and the client was delighted.”

Mr Keith Spicer Managing Director of ALS commented “This type of varied project is exactly what IAVNA has done well for over 40 years.  Our project experience and stock holding meant everything ran smoothly.”

New Product – ALS Mounting Bases and Adaptor Ring

ALS have just introduced a new set of 8″ and 12″ mounting bases designed for their popular DTS range of LED Airfield Ground light fittings.

The range consists of 8″ and 12″ bases with an array of conduit entry options.  They are designed to universal IEC standards so any compliant fitting can be installed using these tough and durable aluminium bases.

 

 

Features:

  • Bottom hole or side entry for electrical connection.
  • Universal IEC Compliant design.
  • Side entry (single on one side and double conduits on opposite side)
  • High Pressure Aluminium casting
  • Anodized surface for protection.
  • Perfect machining to complement ALS fittings.

Also included in the range is a 12″ adaptor ring designed to accommodate an 8″ ALS LED fitting and machined perfectly to match the 12″ mounting base.

As an optional extra, the LED fittings can be installed in conjunction with our new SmartBolts to provide a lifetime of hassle free, easy to inspect bolts, that reduce the risk of FOD and dramatically improve safety on the airfield.  Please call us for more details.

https://www.airfieldlightingsystems.com/the-smartest-bolt-you-will-ever-see/ 

 

NEW LED Portable Light Unit

ALS LIPO-1 is a low intensity portable airfield light with dual colour and multifunctional omnidirectional battery-operated LED’s  The default colours are blue and red. On request there is possibility for other colours, different intensity levels as well as a flashing options. It boasts a powerful battery with long operation time and a photo­cell is included as standard to minimise energy wastage.

 

It is lightweight and is contained in a tough yellow body.  Applications include airside operations to highlight closed taxiways, roads and to provide extra visibility of areas under maintenance.

 

Features:

  • Reliable, robust case to IP57
  • Long operational time/battery life time.
  • Photocell control
  • Correspondence with many fixed lights
  • Optional chargeable battery option (coming)
  • Up to 4 different colours (red and blue as default)
  • Bi-directional on request
  • Non-brittle material (down to -50oC)
  • Frame default colour yellow with firm handle
  • Dome made of UV resistance polycarbonate possibility for 3 different intensity options on request 

NEW LED’s are out of this world!

Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) which is also the home of Virgin Orbit Spaceport has just completed the upgrade of its airfield lighting ahead of the next G7 summit, which was held in the UK this month, from Airfield Lighting Systems UK Limited (ALS) in Wickford, Essex.

Flights have operated from Newquay since 1939 under the banner of RAF Mawgan, in 1962 it officially opened a civilian terminal and began commercial flights.  The airport has expanded over the years with a new terminal building opened in 2008, and with one of the longest runways in the UK.

New ALS DTS LED inset taxiway lights, LED Stop Bar lights and all new transformers were installed for the upgrade complete with bases and adaptor rings among other fittings.  In addition, several new high performance, long life LED signs were also commissioned and installed by specialist contractor Dyer & Butler Electrical.

Moving to LED will dramatically reduce operating costs and extend the maintenance cycle due to the lifetime of the LED’s.  They are more environmentally friendly and recyclable at the end of life.

The project was designed and specified by Robert Walker at AECOM one of the industry’s most respected consulting firms.

Commenting on the new installation Mr Steven Brown, Airfield Manager at Dyer & Butler said “We successfully handed over the project to the Airport on Friday and this could not have been achieved without you and your teams’ substantial efforts to ensure we received all the materials on time. We would like to thank every one of you for your conscientious determination in helping us reach this goal through a variety of changes over the past couple of months. This successful delivery reinforces our decision to use IAVNA and ALS products on this project”

Mr Keith Spicer Managing Director of ALS commented “This is a landmark project for Newquay, and we were delighted to be able to help with the G7 summit being held nearby as well, the team really pulled out all the stops to help make it happen on time, this was much easier to handle due to the extensive stocks we hold.”