Airfield Lighting Control Panel (FAA L-821)
Compact FAA L-821 airfield lighting control panel integrating relays, switches, and human interface in a single UL-listed cabinet, available as a conventional Type I or PLC touch-screen Type III system.
The Flight Light L-821 Airfield Lighting Control Panel provides centralised on/off and intensity control for runway, taxiway, apron, and obstruction lighting circuits in a single, self-contained cabinet. It is certified to FAA AC 150/5345-3F and manufactured under ISO 9001:2015, and is targeted at smaller and mid-size airports that need a proven, low-complexity control solution without building a bespoke multi-panel switchgear room. Two configuration types address different operational preferences. Type I uses conventional rotary switches, toggle switches, or push-buttons — a familiar interface for airports with limited technical staffing or where maintainability by locally trained personnel is the priority. Type III replaces the switch panel with a state-of-the-art PLC and touch-screen display, providing a graphical interface, event logging, and a more capable platform for airports planning for future airfield management integration. Internally, industrial-grade relays with silver-contact switches are used throughout; the cabinet design eliminates the need for a separate relay room. Installation is designed to be direct and commission-free: cage-clamp terminal blocks route straight to CCRs, switch gear, and other airfield equipment. Cable termination, power connection, and cabinet hang-up constitute the bulk of the installation work — a significant factor for airports with limited contractor availability. The panel ships with a full submittal package and as-built drawings with controlled revision documentation, meeting the documentation requirements of FAA-funded airport projects. Compliance with Buy American Act requirements makes it eligible for FAA Airport Improvement Program procurement.
Technical specifications.
| FAA Certification | L-821 per AC 150/5345-3F |
| Available Types | Type I (conventional switches), Type III (PLC touch-screen) |
| Manufacturer Certification | ISO 9001:2015, UL Listed |
| Installation Method | Cage-clamp terminal blocks, commission-free |
| Interface (Type I) | Rotary, toggle, or push-button switches |
| Interface (Type III) | State-of-the-art PLC with touch-screen display |
| Origin | Made in USA (Buy American Act compliant) |
Use cases.
- ›Centralised airfield lighting control at smaller and mid-size airports replacing multi-panel switchgear arrangements
- ›New airfield lighting installations requiring FAA AIP-eligible, Buy American Act compliant equipment
- ›Type I panels for airports prioritising simple operator interfaces and straightforward maintainability
- ›Type III PLC panels for airports requiring event logging and scalable integration with airfield management systems
- ›Replacement of ageing incandescent-era control panels during airfield LED upgrade programmes
- ›Military and civil general aviation airfields needing FAA-standard controls with minimal commissioning complexity
Replacements & compatible alternatives.
Comparable Runway Lighting & Airfield Electrical from other suppliers. Cross-shop on specs — confirm exact fit and compatibility with the supplier before specifying.
