image

Direct Comparisons between Green FAA Taxiway Lights and LEDline®

The images below, 2007, show an earlier 6-LED version of the LEDline® safety guidance lighting system. Today’s LEDline® system uses a modern Mounting Plate and 12 embedded LEDs with precision optics, making it significantly brighter than the original version.
The 2007 images below directly compare standard FAA taxiway lights with the earlier 6-LED linear green LEDline® safety guidance visual aids. Both systems were highly visible in all weather conditions. Today’s LEDline® system provides more than double the light output of the earlier model. Its 12 modern LEDs are brighter, and each lamp is installed within a Mounting Plate that is glued into place, making maintenance much easier. In contrast, the earlier 6-LED version was glued directly into the saw-cut groove. As shown in the image blow, on the right, the curving green visual aid guidance line shows the earlier 6-LED linear green LEDline® safety guidance visual aids. The lights on the left are standard green FAA / ICAO taxiway lights with incandescent bulbs. (Notice the amount of off-angle light pollution captured by the camera from these standard airfield taxiway lights.)
Both systems are highly visible in all weather conditions. However, pilots at Anchorage International Airport wrote to HIL-Tech and reported that they preferred the linear LEDline® visual aids, especially in poor weather. Please contact HIL-Tech for copies of the survey results.
LEDLINE® INSTALLS IN SURFACE SAWCUT GROOVES WITH GLUE—NO HEAVY DIGGING, TRENCHING EQUIPMENT, OR CONDUITS REQUIRED—SO SYSTEMS ARE FULLY INSTALLED AND OPERATING IN DAYS, NOT MONTHS.
LEDline® safety guidance lighting visual aids cost approximately 60% less than traditional point-source inset visual aids. LEDline® also helps melt snow while maintaining visibility in all weather conditions. In the image below, LEDline® remains clearly visible beneath heavy snow cover, while the painted “J” line guidance markings have disappeared. Only LEDline® and the standard green FAA taxiway lights remain visible. And, in 2007, standard green FAA taxiway lamps used incandescent bulbs, which produced more heat than light, so they, too, melted snow. Today's FAA approved taxiway lamps, without additional heating elements, WILL NOT MELT SNOW.
Aside from LEDline® LED lamps, as far as we are aware, ALL other outdoor LED lamps must have additional heating elements within them to melt snow. LEDline® melts snow with only its LEDs, so, energy-wise, it is highly efficient, more energy efficient than every other outdoor in-pavement LED lamp.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Early LEDline® systems installed before 2008, used the 6-LED visual aid which were glued directly into their small saw-cut pavement grooves. This made lamp access difficult, exposed the units to glue, increased maintenance challenges, and may have contaminated the embedded LEDs, shortening their service life.
  • By the fall 2009 installation at Vancouver International Airport’s de-icing pad, LEDline® had advanced significantly: • 12 LEDs embedded within precision optics • Each lamp fitted into its own Mounting Plate • The Mounting Plate glued into the saw-cut groove • The lamp is isolated from adhesive • Easier access for any maintenance
  • As of August 2026, Vancouver International Airport’s LEDline® system remains operational. This installation demonstrates the system’s longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. For Vancouver International engineering references, please contact HIL-Tech at nhutchins@cogeco.ca or 905 849-6134.

Installed IN THE FALL of 2009, the LEDline® at Vancouver is still working and operational to this day, August 2026. the LEDLINE® has never been turned off and has operated continuously , 24/07, for more than 16 years and counting.

The Vancouver de-icing pad pictured below was taken in August 2025, more than 16 years after its installation. Please see the Airfield 3 page for a more in-depth discussion of the LEDline® at Vancouver International.
Unless otherwise stated, all Pictures, Videos, Files, and Texts are the Copyright of HIL-Tech Ltd.LEDline® is a Registered Trademark of HIL-Tech Ltd.