EMB ERJ 135 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Human Factors
The taxi lights in RIC were upgraded to LED lights at some point over the last 3-4 years. The problem is; these lights aren't able to dim. When it is pitch black outside; it is very annoying and difficult to taxi with extremely bright taxi lights. The green taxi centerline lights are the worst. I have asked the Controller numerous times if they could dim them and have always been told that they are either not able to dim or they are already on the dimmest setting. I remember reading the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook as a private pilot and it explained the need to let your eyes adapt to darkness and the keep them adapted. The bright taxi lights are an unnecessary hazard. While they might not directly cause an accident they are more than capable of being another link in the accident chain. Is there any way that these lights can be dimmed?
EMB-135 Captain reports RIC has LED taxiway lights which are too bright; creating a hazard; and Controllers are reportedly unable to dim.