Runway edge lights
Runway edge lighting are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These light systems are classified according to the intensity they are capable of producing:
- High intensity runway lights (HIRL)
- Medium intensity runway lights (MIRL)
- Low intensity runway lights (LIRL)[1]
Many HIRL and MIRL systems have variable intensity controls, whereas the LIRLs normally have one intensity setting. At airports where there is a control tower, the tower will manage the lights to account for visibility and pilot preference, but some airports do not have control towers. These airports will have Pilot Controlled Lighting, or PCL, where pilots can adjust the lighting themselves by keying a microphone button a certain number of times.[1]
The majority of runway edge lights are clear or white[2], but there are some exceptions to provide additional information to pilots in certain circumstances.
When an approach must be made on instruments, the last 600 metres (2,000 ft), or one third of the runway length available (whichever is less), are bi-directional. They look white to the pilot approaching from the short end of the runway, but to a pilot approaching from the other end, who would be landing or taking off in that direction, they are yellow to indicate that the runway is nearing the end. The lights marking the last 200 metres (660 ft) of the runway, called Runway End Identifier Lights, or REILs, emit red light toward the runway to indicate the end of the runway to aircraft on it, and green light outward to indicate the threshold to landing aircraft.[1][3]
See also
- Approach lighting system
- Pilot-controlled lighting
- Precision approach path indicator
- Runway end identifier lights
- Visual approach slope indicator
References
- ^ a b c "Light Up Your Night: A Guide to Airport Lighting Systems". Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "Runway Safety Best Practices" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. United States Department of Transportation. p. 37. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ Houston, Sarina (11 November 2017). "Airport and Runway Lighting Systems Explained". The Balance. Retrieved 20 November 2017.