Runway Edge Lights
Encyclopedia
Runway Edge Lights are used to outline the edges of runway
s during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These light systems are classified according to the intensity
they are capable of producing:
The HIRL and MIRL systems have variable intensity controls, whereas the LIRLs normally have one intensity setting. Runway Edge Lights are white, except on instrument runways where yellow replaces white on the last 2,000 feet or half the runway length, whichever is less, to form a caution zone for landings. The lights marking the ends of the runway emit red light toward the runway to indicate the end of runway to a departing aircraft and emit green outward from the runway end to indicate the threshold to landing aircraft.
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
s during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These light systems are classified according to the intensity
Intensity (disambiguation)
-In colloquial use:*Strength *Amplitude*Level *Magnitude -Physics:*Intensity , power per unit area *Field strength of electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields...
they are capable of producing:
- High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL)
- Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL)
- Low Intensity Runway Lights (LIRL)
The HIRL and MIRL systems have variable intensity controls, whereas the LIRLs normally have one intensity setting. Runway Edge Lights are white, except on instrument runways where yellow replaces white on the last 2,000 feet or half the runway length, whichever is less, to form a caution zone for landings. The lights marking the ends of the runway emit red light toward the runway to indicate the end of runway to a departing aircraft and emit green outward from the runway end to indicate the threshold to landing aircraft.
See also
- Pilot Controlled LightingPilot Controlled LightingPilot Controlled Lighting , also known as Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting or Pilot Activated Lighting , is a system which allows aircraft pilots to control the lighting of an airport or airfield's approach lights, runway edge lights, and taxiways via radio. At some airfields, the...
(PCL) - Visual Approach Slope IndicatorVisual Approach Slope IndicatorThe visual approach slope indicator is a system of lights on the side of an airport runway threshold that provides visual descent guidance information during the approach to a runway...
(VASI) - Precision Approach Path IndicatorPrecision Approach Path IndicatorPrecision approach path Indicator is a visual aid that provides guidance information to help a pilot acquire and maintain the correct approach to an aerodrome or an airport. It is generally located beside the runway approximately 300 metres beyond the landing threshold of the runway...
(PAPI) - Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)
- Approach Lighting SystemApproach Lighting SystemAn approach lighting system, or ALS, is a lighting system installed on the approach end of an airport runway and consisting of a series of lightbars, strobe lights, or a combination of the two that extends outward from the runway end...
(ALS)