Narrative:

While on the visual approach into boca raton; we were unable to get the pilot controlled [lights] to activate. In the pattern the runway lights would flicker; but not stay on brightly to be identifiable. The frequency was verified. On turning final; it was obvious the lights were not on. Several attempts to activate them without success and [a] go-around was initiated. Once stable at the tpa (traffic pattern altitude) and checklists completed; and the passengers briefed; the frequency was verified again and still no response from the lighting system. [The FBO] was contacted and tried to activate the lights as well; with limited success. Turning onto final approach; the lights would flicker a couple of times; but not stay on. Just before initiating a second go-around; the lights came on and stayed; and the landing was completed without further incident. The passengers were disembarked without problem. Afterwards; speaking to the staff at [the FBO]; they stated that they didn't get the lights on; but that the airport security officer was able to do it with his radio. The security officer did not mention reporting the problems to the airport management.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air taxi pilot reported difficulties with pilot activated lighting while attempting to land at night.

Narrative: While on the visual approach into Boca Raton; we were unable to get the pilot controlled [lights] to activate. In the pattern the runway lights would flicker; but not stay on brightly to be identifiable. The frequency was verified. On turning final; it was obvious the lights were not on. Several attempts to activate them without success and [a] go-around was initiated. Once stable at the TPA (Traffic Pattern Altitude) and checklists completed; and the passengers briefed; the frequency was verified again and still no response from the lighting system. [The FBO] was contacted and tried to activate the lights as well; with limited success. Turning onto final approach; the lights would flicker a couple of times; but not stay on. Just before initiating a second go-around; the lights came on and stayed; and the landing was completed without further incident. The passengers were disembarked without problem. Afterwards; speaking to the staff at [the FBO]; they stated that they didn't get the lights on; but that the airport security officer was able to do it with his radio. The security officer did not mention reporting the problems to the airport management.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.