Narrative:

I was called by the approach controller and told to turn the runway lights up to step 5 to allow higher RVR reading; as the aircraft needed 1;800 ft to shoot an approach. I stated that the 'lights are in accordance with the 7110.65;' and I was told over the etvs (landline) 'that I am requesting the lights to be on step 5.' I adjusted the lights; the aircraft landed without incident and I then adjusted the lights back to the 711.065 level. It is my understanding that like an SVFR clearance; the pilot must request a higher light setting; not an approach controller. This is an ongoing problem at my facility where the approach controller or supervisor orders us to turn the runway and approach lights up higher than the .65 advises except on request by the pilot.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ANC local controller described an on going event that involves approach controller's requesting higher than published runway light settings to achieve a higher RVR value.

Narrative: I was called by the Approach Controller and told to turn the runway lights up to Step 5 to allow higher RVR reading; as the aircraft needed 1;800 FT to shoot an approach. I stated that the 'lights are in accordance with the 7110.65;' and I was told over the ETVS (landline) 'that I am requesting the lights to be on Step 5.' I adjusted the lights; the aircraft landed without incident and I then adjusted the lights back to the 711.065 level. It is my understanding that like an SVFR clearance; the Pilot must request a higher light setting; not an approach controller. This is an ongoing problem at my facility where the Approach Controller or Supervisor orders us to turn the runway and approach lights up higher than the .65 advises except on request by the Pilot.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of May 2009 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.