Is runway lighting required at a Basic Utility airport?

Runway lighting is not a requirement for a Basic Utility airport, which is classified under the federal aviation regulations. Basic Utility airports are generally intended for small, general aviation aircraft and typically serve relatively low-intensity operations. These facilities are designed to support essential aeronautical activities and may not receive enough traffic or operational demands that necessitate the installation of sophisticated lighting systems.

The primary purpose of runway lighting is to enhance safety, particularly during low visibility conditions or nighttime operations. However, since Basic Utility airports primarily cater to daytime operations and lower traffic volumes, the lack of runway lighting is permissible and often practical to minimize costs and maintenance burdens.

In contrast, larger or more complex airports often have higher operational requirements that make runway lighting essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency, especially in various weather conditions and times of day.