A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 1984, Tailor Made Systems (TMS) has been at the forefront of airfield lighting technology and innovation for four decades. Initially focusing on mobile data collection and photometric measurement systems, TMS earned a reputation for excellence, winning three UK SMART awards for their innovative products designed for highway authorities, electricity supply companies, and international airports. TMS Mobile Illuminance Monitoring System (MIMS) was featured on BBC Tomorrow’s World.
TMS’s pivotal role in airfield lighting began in 1991 when they were commissioned by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence, and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) to study the performance of airfield lighting systems. This extensive research led to the development of the Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System (MALMS), a groundbreaking solution designed to accurately measure the performance of high-intensity lighting on airfield runways. [Peter Evans proudly holds 40th balloons marking four decades of TMS Excellence.]
[Andy Patrick tests the first prototype Photometric Measurement System]
In 2006, Tailor Made Systems achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious ATC Boeing Development Award for its innovative contributions to the air traffic control industry. The award, recognised as the highest honour in the field, was bestowed upon Tailor Made Systems in acknowledgment of its Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System (MALMS). This cutting-edge technology has been instrumental in enhancing safety and efficiency at airports worldwide by accurately testing the effectiveness of airfield lighting, and the recognition symbolized the culmination of extensive research and development efforts aimed at creating a system that comprehensively addresses the complexities associated with lighting testing.
TMS continued to expand the range and scope of MALMS products, enhancing their capabilities to ensure precise, efficient maintenance of compliant airfield lighting. By 2010, MALMS had become a globally recognized standard. The system’s accuracy, ease of use, and reliability made it the preferred choice for more than 50% of the world’s airports conducting photometric testing.
In 2021 Tailor Made Systems launched a training company, TMS Training Solutions, to provide the most comprehensive range of AGL training for the next generation of aviation professionals. Delivering globally accessible competency-based training assessment courses for airport staff to ensure regulatory compliance in the maintenance of aeronautical ground lighting. This year also marks the official launch its UK centre of Excellence in Coventry, opening its doors to train Airfield Lighting Professionals onsite. See: www.agl.training
With a commitment to fostering continuous learning and growth, TMS Training Solutions brings forth a comprehensive suite of training courses designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s dynamic business landscape. From sharpening essential skills to staying abreast of industry trends.
Tailor Made Systems is dedicated to the continual development of MALMS products, designed for the inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and management of all airfield runway lights and visual aids, including signs, PAPI and apron. These advancements are essential for establishing an effective, efficient and compliant AGL maintenance strategy. TMS continues to leverage decades of experience and best practices to maintain its leadership in the industry with over 600 systems in operation worldwide and 10 million airfield lights are tested annually.
Embodying the motto: You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure – TMS integrated solutions ensure the total integrity of airfield lighting services supported by robust customer assistance and continuous development efforts.
On Tuesday, July 25th, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with Tony Smith FRAeS, the renowned inventor of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) during our TMS Technical Tuesday webinar.
Tony has been at the forefront of airfield lighting development for 50 years, and working with the CAA, he has played an instrumental role in the development of the PAPI and has also worked in collaboration with Tailor Made Systems in their development of the MALMS system.
This special session shared insights from Tony’s illustrious career and the evolution of AGL safety and innovation at Tailor Made Systems during the last 40 years offering a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the leading figures in airport lighting innovation.
You can watch this presentation “Celebrating 40 years of Airfield Safety Innovation” here: https://www.tmstrainingsolutions.com/webinar-forty-three
Don’t miss our next TMS Tuesday: https://www.malms.aero/runway-to-recovery