You execute a perfect approach procedure to minimums and the flicker of lights catches your eye. Once visually identified you can turn down the lights as necessary to avoid blinding and disorientation. Initially, activate the lights to their highest setting. At an uncontrolled airport it is critical you activate the approach lighting system when handed off to CTAF. In low visibility conditions these lights may be the only thing you see, especially at night. However, at uncontrolled airports only accessed by non-precision approach procedures you may only have REILs to identify the runway threshold. MALSR systems are much more common at GA airports served by Category I ILS and non-precision approaches. A little mental preparation will ensure you identify the correct lights and land safely.ĪLSF 1 and ALSF 2 systems are typically used for runways with Category II and III approach minimums. Too many accidents result from a controlled descent below MDA or DA short of the runway. Lights are usually the first visible object but often street lights, parking lot lights or building lights are mistaken for the correct approach light system. When flying in low visibility conditions it is important you recognize the appropriate light system. REIL – Runway End Identifier Lights (threshold strobes) RAIL – Runway Alignment Indicator Lighted sequence flashing lights (which are only installed in combination with other light systems) ODALS – OmniDirectional Approach Lighting System with sequenced flashing lights, system length 1,400 feet MALD/MASLF – Medium intensity Approach Lighting, with and without Sequenced Flashing lights, system length 1,400 feet SSALF – Simplified Short Approach Lighting system with sequenced Flashing lights and runway alignment indicator lights, system length 2,400 to 3,000 feet SALS/SALSF – Short Approach Lighting System, high intensity (same as inner 1,500 feet of ALSF 1) TDZ/CL – runway Touchdown Zone and Centerline Lighting systemĪLSF 1 – high intensity Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing lights, system length 2,400 to 3,000 feetĪLSF 2 – high intensity Approach Light System with Sequenced Flashing lights and red side row lights the last 1,000 feet, system length 2,400 to 3,000 feet MALSR – Medium intensity Approach Light System with Runway alignment indicator lights HIRL – High Intensity Runway Light system Below is a list of the various systems found at US airports with a brief description and graphic depicting their configuration: In inclement weather it is critical that we brief the anticipated Approach Lighting System (ALS) because it is likely the first thing we will see approaching the runway. There are a variety of approach light systems that few general aviation pilots take the time to study. When weather conditions are right at approach minimums what exactly do you plan to see? 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.Throughout your instrument training you practice flying instrument approach procedures to minimums from which you either see the runway and land or execute a missed approach. When an instrument runway lighting is designed, the last 600 metres (2,000 ft), or one-half of the runway length available (whichever is less), are bi-directional. The majority of runway edge lights are clear or white, but there are some exceptions to provide additional information to pilots in certain circumstances. 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. 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. Many HIRL and MIRL systems have variable intensity controls, whereas the LIRLs normally have one intensity setting. These light systems are classified according to the intensity they are capable of producing: Runway edge lighting are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. An aircraft landing at Zurich International Airport, with runway edge lights visible For the airport with ICAO code LIRL, see Latina Air Base.
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