Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
The ramp at CRP is lit by several light poles; each containing three extremely bright spotlights which resemble deer hunting spotlights. The lamps are hooded at the top and emit glaring light onto oncoming aircraft. Rather than the diffused yellow sodium vapor lights that most airport terminals have. These are bright white; aimed straight out; and have the effect of partially blinding anyone approaching the ramp. Gate lead-in lines and taxiway markings are almost indiscernible when the glare of the spotlights hit the windshield; especially when the windshield is dirty. After parking I queried the Tower Controller about possible complaints by flight crews. Controller said that some crews do complain and that the lights had been hooded to keep the Tower Personnel from being blinded as well. These are not your ordinary flood or ramp lights; but rather cylindrical lights that could be used for spotting or stage productions.The lights are problematic. The fact that the Airport Authority had to put hoods on them to keep from blinding the Tower Controllers proves that they are a hazard to any one approaching them at night. I fly to nearly 100 airports and have never encountered this particular type of lights. In my opinion; they are the wrong kind for the job.
The reporter stated that there is ramp lighting on approximately 30 FT poles separate from the terminal with a group of three lamps on each pole. At least one of the lamps is aimed directly into the pilot's eyes when approaching the gates. He recommends that the bulbs should be changed to something of lesser intensity and be aimed down to illuminate the ramp instead of the aircraft.
The ramp illumination lights at CRP are blinding for taxiing pilots when approaching the terminal.