A method for selecting an optimum delay length in a polarization mode dispersion compensator configured with a constant-length delay line and deployed in an optical communication system. The use of an aqueous dispersion containing an electrically conducting polymer and a non-ionic surfactant or an ionic fluorosurfactant to form the buffer layer has been shown to provide a buffer layer that results in improved light-emitting diode performance. A synthetic approach light symbol that corresponds to the approach light type is chosen and aligned with the approach lights for display.