Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20.6; Flight Crew Total 64.2; Flight Crew Type 61.7
Other / Unknown
No Specific Anomaly Occurred Unwanted Situation
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Human Factors; Procedure
I am aware that the pilot-controlled lighting frequency at PDK is different from the CTAF frequency of 120.9. I was on a VFR approach to PDK at night with a commercial instrument-rated pilot in the right seat when the Tower was closed. We both found it extremely difficult to find the PCL frequency buried in the Chart Supplement. We tried keying on multiple frequencies including CTAF 120.9 and UNICOM 122.95 but could not activate the runway lights. We heard another pilot attempting to turn on PCL on the CTAF frequency as well. I was able to continue to a safe landing by referencing taxiway lights and the runway environment illuminated by my own landing lights. After landing; we finally found the PCL frequency of 120.0 in the Chart Supplement and found that the lights were working. I understand that it is the PIC's responsibility to be aware of such exceptions to common procedures; but I think it would be highly beneficial; especially to those unfamiliar with the airport; to publish critical information such as PCL frequencies in a more accessible manner; e.g. on the sectional/TAC or on the airport diagram. An even better solution would be to consolidate the PCL frequency onto CTAF to reduce pilot workload in a critical phase of flight.
General Aviation pilot reported difficulty determining the correct pilot-controlled lighting frequency at PDK airport.