MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Engineer
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 125; Flight Crew Total 18000; Flight Crew Type 1300
Physiological - Other; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Equipment / Tooling; Weather; Airport
Low visibility evening in ATL with low ceilings and fog. While in line for takeoff we heard two preceding aircraft request the tower to dim the runway lights while they were waiting for takeoff clearance. Controller responded that [they] couldn't reduce intensity due to FAA rules. We were [cleared] to line up and wait on runway 9L. As we waited for takeoff I; too; found the new LED lights extremely bright. During the takeoff roll as the First Officer made required 80 knot callout I cross checked my airspeed indicator and was surprised that the outside lighting was so bright it was very difficult for me to read my flight instruments. During climbout we heard the following aircraft request the lights be dimmed also. I believe the tower controller needs the authority to dim the runway lights when asked repeatedly by departing flight crews. The new LED lights can be so bright they become a hindrance to safe operations.
An MD80 Captain reported multiple flight crews requested that the ATL Runway 9L runway lights be dimmed for evening takeoffs in low ceilings and fog. The Local Controller advised they were unable to do so per the FAA. On their subsequent takeoff the reporter found the intense reflected light made it difficult to read the flight instruments.