Small aircraft pilot reported the airport lighting did not turn on despite utilizing the standard clicks on CTAF frequency. The pilot landed safely under partial airport lighting. At the FBO; the pilot learned that runway and taxiway edge lights were only activated if the CTAF was clicked six times; and stated that the instruction was not noted on the approach plate; the A/FD; and EFB software for the airport.

Narrative

I was approaching PBG at night on a very clear night and had been cleared by Approach Control for the RNAV 35 Approach and shortly thereafter turned over to CTAF. I attempted to activate the runway edge and approach lights by utilizing the standard 3; 5 and 7 clicks on the CTAF frequency. Only the runway approach lights would activate using these combination of clicks; and they would increase from low to medium to high intensity depending on whether I clicked 3; 5 or 7 times; respectively. As I continued approaching the field; I continued trying over and over again to activate the edge lights using this same technique to no avail. I turned on my LED landing light below the spinner and HID boom lights; consulted my right seat commercially rated safety pilot; who was acting as a passenger at this point; and we agreed that if the runway was well illuminated that I would continue with the landing; the approach lights coupled with flying the instrument approach were helpful in aligning with the runway. At least 100 ft. over the runway it became well illuminated from my aircraft's landing lights - I determined a safe landing was possible; and I landed uneventfully. Upon landing; we noticed the taxiway lights were also not illuminated; but we had no issues taxiing into the FBO.At the FBO; we inquired about this issue and they asked us if we had clicked the CTAF SIX (6) times; which we had not. On departure; we clicked the CTAF 6 times and the runway and taxiway edge lights activated.I had completed thorough due diligence prior to the flight; including determining the approach and edge lights were available and that they were to be activated on the CTAF. The approach plate and A/FD indicates the CTAF should be used to activate the lights. Nowhere is it mentioned that SIX (6) clicks are required to operate the runway and taxiway edge lighting. 2-1-1 of the AIM is very clear that 3; 5 or 7 clicks are to be used to activate runway lighting at civil aviation facilities - PBG is a decommissioned Air Force base. The A/FD entry for the airport simply states LGT ACTIAVE MALSR Runway 17; HIRL Runway 17-35 and taxiway lights - CTAF." I suggest that if PBG does not change activation of its runway and taxiway edge lighting to conform with the AIM; then the requirement for six clicks be noted on approach plates; the AF/D; and EFB software.I elected to land without edge lights since the runway at PBG is exceptionally long; almost 12;000 ft. - and wide; 200 ft. I was not clear at the time whether landing without runway edge lights is permitted under FAR 91; but I believe it is permitted; and I believe my actions were not unsafe due to the fact that the runway was so large; the approach lights and RNAV approach provided horizontal and vertical guidance; and my aircraft has three very bright landing lights."