Airfield Lighting Familiarization

RUNWAY LIGHTS/RUNWAY EDGE LIGHTS
Lights having a prescribed angle of emission used to define the lateral limits of a runway. Runway lights are uniformly spaced at intervals of approximately 200 feet, and the intensity may becontrolled or preset. The last 2,000 feet of lights are amber. HIRL (High Intensity Runway Lighting ) runways have a 5-step lights intensity system, MIRL (Medium Intensity Runway Lighting) runways have 3-step lights Intensity system, controlled by the ATCT & electrical vault.

TOUCHDOWN ZONE LIGHTING
Two rows of transverse flush-mounted light bars located symmetrically about the runway
centerline, normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet from the runway's approach.

RUNWAY CENTERLINE LIGHTING
Flush centerline lights spaced at 50-foot intervals, beginning 75 feet from the landing threshold
and extending to within 75 feet of the opposite end of the runway. The centerline lighting system
is designed flush to facilitate landings, rollouts, and takeoffs under adverse day and night visibility conditions. The last 3,000 feet of the system, as viewed from the landing or takeoff position, should be color-coded in order to provide distance remaining information to the pilot. The first 2,000 of the last 3,000 foot segment should be alternating red/white with the last 1,000 feet solid red. This system should be installed on all precision approach runways used by air carrier aircraft. It should also be installed on all other runways intended to support low visibility operations.

TAXIWAY CENTERLINE LIGHTING
Taxiway centerline lights are used to facilitate ground traffic under low visibility conditions. They are located along the taxiway centerline in a straight line on straight portions, on the centerline of curved portions, and along designated taxiing paths in portions of runways, ramp and apron areas. Taxiway centerline lights are steady burning and emit green light.

TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTS
Taxiway edge lights are used to outline the edges of taxiways during periods of darkness or
restricted visibility conditions. These fixtures emit blue light. Taxiways have a 3-step light intensity system, controlled by ATCT & electrical vaults.

TAXIWAY LEAD-OFF LIGHTS
Taxiway lead-off lights extend from the runway centerline to a point on an exit taxiway to expedite movement of aircraft from the runway. These lights alternate green and yellow from the runway centerline to the runway holding position or the ILS/MLS critical area, as appropriate.

OBSTRUCTION LIGHT
A light or a group of lights, usually red or white, frequently mounted on a surface
structure or natural terrain to warn pilots of the presence of an obstruction.

LIGHTED WIND SOCK
Lighted and frangible mounted wind socks must be installed near the approach end
of each runway, preferably opposite the 1,000 foot mark and 150 feet off the left side
of the runway.

THRESHOLD LIGHTS
Fixed green lights arranged symmetrically left and right of the runway centerline,
identifying the runway threshold. Four (4) threshold lights on either side of the
centerline are required for an instrument runway. Lights should be green from the
approach side and red on the opposite side.

FAA THRESHOLD LIGHTS
Fixed blue FAA threshold lights identifying the approach end of the runway upon
landing.

RUNWAY GUARD LIGHTS
In surface or Elevated flashing amber lights which alert vehicles & aircraft to the entrance of a runway.