Light the Night
Runway lights are typically managed by a control tower. Some uncontrolled airports are equipped with pilot-controlled lighting.
Airports must have standardized lighting so that pilots can navigate effectively at night, and be able to differentiate between runways and highways. by Terri Potratz | Illustration Marcelo Cรกceres
runway status lights (rwsl) > Warn vehicles and pilots if the runway is not safe to enter. This new system of lighting is currently being tested at several airports in the US. REL
RIL
THL
RUNWAY ENTRANCE LIGHTS
RUNWAY INTERSECTION LIGHTS
TAKEOFF HOLD LIGHTS display warning signals at key areas
beacons > Assist pilots in differentiating between runways and highways. These rotating lights usually flash green and white lights to indicate a civilian airport (military airport beacons flash red), and are highly visible to pilots.
White
Green
taxiways > Are indicated by blue lights or reflectors that run alongside taxiways. > Taxiway centerline lights or reflectors are green, except for lead-on and lead-off lights, which alternate yellow and green to indicate you are entering or leaving the runway. > Guard lights flash yellow and can be in-pavement or elevated. These lights identify a runway holding position.
Edge: These lights are omni-directional and located along the edges of the runway area, where they may be embedded in the runway surface or elevated alongside the runway. They are white, with some exceptions.
The first fixed runway lighting is thought to have been installed at Cleveland Municipal Airport in 1930. Master REIL
Approach lighting systems in the US have a feature called the Decision Bar, which is located 1,000 ft before the threshold on approach and serves as a visible horizon to ease transition from instrument visual flight.
> Runway exit taxiways may be indicated by substitution of one or two of the white runway edge lights with blue ones. ach pro Ap
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Runway lighting can come in several different configurations, but most approach systems have high-intensity lights, which can be complemented by additional light systems such as REILs and TDZLs.
Runway End Identifier Lights: REILs are comprised of two units which simultaneously flash intense white light to mark the approach end of the runway.
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