Pilot-controlled lighting (PCL), also known as aircraft radio control of aerodrome lighting (ARCAL) or pilot-activated lighting (PAL), is commonplace at thousands of airports worldwide. But, until recently, it was a feature that was absent from Microsoft Flight Simulator. Enter developer VeroRoutes with their latest release: Pilot-Controlled Lighting for MSFS2024. This addon lets simmers realistically turn on airport lighting using a timed series of microphone “clicks” over a designated frequency. It also simulates the ability to change the intensity of the airport lighting, closely mimicking real-world pilot-controlled lighting operations.
According to the developer, Pilot-Controlled Lighting for MSFS2024 accurately models the real-world PCL at over 4,500 airports and heliports. After installing the addon, users select the designated PCL frequency, usually the same as the UNICOM/CTAF frequency, and then key the microphone 3, 5, or 7 times within a five-second interval. The number of microphone “clicks” determines the intensity of the runway lights in the sim, just as it does in the real world. Three clicks for low intensity, five clicks for medium, and seven clicks in five seconds for high intensity. Airport lighting then remains active for 15 minutes. VeroRoutes also states that the software is compatible with 3rd party ATC clients via a SimConnect variable, allowing pilots who fly using online networks to take advantage of the software.
While the name VeroRoutes may be unfamiliar to many MSFS2024 users, the company has a long history of providing navdata for FSX and P3D under the name FSAerodata. FSAerodata was notable for being among the first developers in the flight sim market to offer monthly AIRAC updates. At its peak, the company provided regular, global navdata coverage for thousands of simmers.
A trial version of Pilot-Controlled Lighting for MSFS2024 is available via the developer’s website, allowing prospective buyers to try out the software at three designated airports before purchasing. The full version is available on SimMarket for EUR 16.44.
