A light fixture is provided with a heating element. The heating element can be a resistive heating element, such as a Nichrome wire, and resides in grooves of a cover (e.g., a glass globe) of the light fixture. Thus, the heating element acts to directly heat the cover of the light fixture to prevent, decrease, or otherwise correct frosting, freezing, and other elemental effects on the cover when it is exposed to the environment. The heating element is capable of raising the temperature of the cover at least 15° C. from an initial temperature of −20° C. in 30 minutes. A heat sensing element may provide feedback regarding the temperature of the cover for controlling power supplied to the heating element.

A method and apparatus for inspecting an aeronautical light using an aerial vehicle are disclosed. The method includes defining a first reference point based on a plurality of aeronautical lights installed on a runway surface, and defining a second reference point based on the first reference point, defining a flight path of the aerial vehicle taking off from the second reference point and heading to the first reference point, transmitting, to the ground, an image of the aeronautical lights photographed by the aerial vehicle, and inspecting and adjusting elevation angles of the aeronautical lights by analyzing the image of the aeronautical lights in real time.

A method and apparatus for inspecting an aeronautical light using an aerial vehicle are disclosed. The method includes defining a first reference point based on a plurality of aeronautical lights installed on a runway surface, and defining a second reference point based on the first reference point, defining a flight path of the aerial vehicle taking off from the second reference point and heading to the first reference point, transmitting, to the ground, an image of the aeronautical lights photographed by the aerial vehicle, and inspecting and adjusting elevation angles of the aeronautical lights by analyzing the image of the aeronautical lights in real time.

A precision approach path indicator (PAPI) employs an LED light source with first and second arrays of LEDs or other efficient light sources, disposed one above the other and emitting their respective color lights along an optic axis to a collimating lens of focal length f. First and (optional) second aperture plates positioned along the optic axis, each being a respective frame with a cut-out defining a horizontally elongated aperture for light passing along the optic axis. Intermediate aperture plate(s) can be positioned between the first and second aperture plates. The first frame is positioned between the light source and the collimating lens at the focal distance f from the lens. The optional second aperture plate is positioned at the collimating lens and covers top, bottom, and side edge portions of the lens. A planar blade extends from the light source to the first frame and has a distal edge extending across the aperture of the first aperture plate, substantially at the focus of the collimating lens, dividing the beam into white and red sectors. The intermediate aperture plate(s) can be adjusted for optimal separation. The PAPI can be considered to have an illumination portion formed of the light source(s), blade, and first frame; and an imaging portion formed of an enclosure and a lens positioned at its focal length distant from the front frame aperture and edge of the blade.

A precision approach path indicator (PAPI) employs an LED light source with first and second arrays of LEDs or other efficient light sources, disposed one above the other and emitting their respective color lights along an optic axis to a collimating lens of focal length f. First and (optional) second aperture plates positioned along the optic axis, each being a respective frame with a cut-out defining a horizontally elongated aperture for light passing along the optic axis. Intermediate aperture plate(s) can be positioned between the first and second aperture plates. The first frame is positioned between the light source and the collimating lens at the focal distance f from the lens. The optional second aperture plate is positioned at the collimating lens and covers top, bottom, and side edge portions of the lens. A planar blade extends from the light source to the first frame and has a distal edge extending across the aperture of the first aperture plate, substantially at the focus of the collimating lens, dividing the beam into white and red sectors. The intermediate aperture plate(s) can be adjusted for optimal separation. The PAPI can be considered to have an illumination portion formed of the light source(s), blade, and first frame; and an imaging portion formed of an enclosure and a lens positioned at its focal length distant from the front frame aperture and edge of the blade.

An obstruction detection and warning system includes a plurality of edge light emitters, and a processing system. The edge light emitters are mounted on a structure that has a width and a height. Each edge light emitter is operable to emit a light beam at an angular rate, and that is encoded with data that indicates its position and its height. The processing system receives the light beam emitted from each edge light emitter and decodes the encoded data from the received light beam to determine the width and height of the structure, and to determine a distance from an aircraft to the structure. The processor also compares an active trajectory and current altitude of the aircraft to the width and height of the structure and the distance to the structure and, based on the comparison, generates and supplies situational cues to an operator of the aircraft.

An obstruction detection and warning system includes a plurality of edge light emitters, and a processing system. The edge light emitters are mounted on a structure that has a width and a height. Each edge light emitter is operable to emit a light beam at an angular rate, and that is encoded with data that indicates its position and its height. The processing system receives the light beam emitted from each edge light emitter and decodes the encoded data from the received light beam to determine the width and height of the structure, and to determine a distance from an aircraft to the structure. The processor also compares an active trajectory and current altitude of the aircraft to the width and height of the structure and the distance to the structure and, based on the comparison, generates and supplies situational cues to an operator of the aircraft.

A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

A landing zone indicator system which includes a battery that is configured to power a controller and a human vision output device, a controller that is configured to control human-visible light that is output by the human vision output device, and a human vision output device where the human-visible light output by the human vision output device generates an illuminated landing zone for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

An aeronautical light aid for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flying object is provided. The aeronautical light aid includes a plurality of first lighting portions buried in a takeoff and landing port and configured to radiate light in a vertically upward direction, a plurality of second lighting portions provided on an outer side of the takeoff and lighting port and configured to radiate light in an externally upward direction, and a landing guide provided at the center of the takeoff and landing port.