Pilot-Controlled Lighting (PCL) Activation at Chino Airport

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Dear Chino Airport Tenants and vistors,

Chino Airport is pleased to announce a new Pilot-Controlled Lighting (PCL) system has been installed, tested, and is scheduled to become operational on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

When the Chino Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is closed (9:00 pm to 7:00 am), pilots will be able to activate the airport lighting directly from their aircraft using the published Common Traffic Advisory Frequency 118.5 (CTAF). CNO follows the standard FAA activation sequence, it is:

  • 3 microphone clicks – Low-intensity lighting
  • 5 microphone clicks – Medium-intensity lighting
  • 7 microphone clicks – High-intensity lighting

Runway lighting is configured as follows:

  • Runway 26L/08R: Medium-Intensity Runway Lighting (MIRL)
  • Runway 03/21: Medium-Intensity Runway Lighting (MIRL)
  • Runway 26R/08L: High-Intensity Runway Lighting (HIRL)

Once activated, the lights will remain on for the FAA-designated period of 15 minutes before automatically turning off unless they are activated again.

The County is currently coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publish the new Pilot-Controlled Lighting information in the FAA Chart Supplement U.S. and other aeronautical publications. While every effort is being made to have this information available as soon as possible, we cannot guarantee that the FAA's publications and electronic flight planning resources will be updated by the September 1 activation date.

If your business regularly serves transient pilots, flight students, aircraft renters, or visitors who may be flying into Chino Airport for the first time, we encourage you to share this information with them. Helping pilots understand how the lighting system operates before they arrive will promote safer and more efficient operations during non-towered hours.

This enhancement represents another step in improving access to the airport while maintaining safe and reliable airfield operations.

If you have any questions regarding the new Pilot-Controlled Lighting system, please contact the Chino Airport Administration Office at (909) 465-5201.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Chino Airport