Orlando International Airport, Airfield Lighting Assessment

Burns inventories airfield lighting systems, recommends asset replacements, forecasts maintenance budget.

The world’s fourth largest airport by size, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has four runways stretched over the property’s 12,600 acres. Over time, the lighting and navigation systems that span the airfield became a mix of modern light emitting diode (LED) fixtures and older technologies.

With no previous system to inventory the age, condition and replacement costs of the various lighting and electrical equipment, MCO engaged Burns to assess and to prioritize early replacements along Runway 18R-36L and its connected taxiways as well as along the airfield’s eastern Taxiways G and H.

In total, the assessment involved analysis of more than 8,000 lighting fixtures. The inspection reviewed the airfield’s:

• Runway Edge Lights
• Runway Centerline Lights
• Taxiway Centerline Light
• Taxiway Edge Lights
• Taxi Guidance Signs
• Distant Remaining Signs
• Runway Guard Lights
• Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
• Airfield Lighting Cables, Isolation Transformers, and Connectors
• Constant Current Regulators

MCO requested a schedule and budget for replacing the inventoried equipment. Advanced maintenance planning has proven effective in limiting costly disruptions to runway operations and ensuring safe operation through continuous LED navigation features.

The Burns analysis forecasts $20 million in replacement costs over a 10-year period, providing MCO finance and maintenance teams with a budget for future capital plans as well as a prioritization strategy of recommended upgrades.

Burns has previously undertaken electrical and HVAC assessments for Philadelphia International Airport as well as lighting assessments for the Northeast Philadelphia Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.