![]() ![]() Precision Approach Path Indicator – (Wikipedia) Runway Status Lights – Summary of system with video by the FAA. ![]() Overview of US approach lighting systems by Ranier Flight Service. Everything a pilot needs to know about airport lights, signs, and markings. The Savvy Passenger Guide to Airplane LightsĮverything you ever wanted to know about airplane lights!įAA Aeronautical Information Manual (pdf)Ĭhapter 2: Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids. Keep your eyes out the window and check out those lights. If you’ve been keeping up, there’s a good chance you know way more about airport lights than Platinum-Level-Guy snoring in the aisle seat. The museum is a must-see destination for aviation enthusiasts visiting the Florida Panhandle. You can see this beacon on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. One last rotating beacon example, and it’s a really colorful one! This beacon was originally atop the control tower at Chevalier Field, the original airfield at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Heliport beacons display a series of four quick white flashes (Morse code for the letter “H”), several times a minute. In Canada, many airports are identified by beacons that emit one white flash, 20-30 times/minute. White, Green, Red – Hospital or Emergency Services Heliport.I had to memorize these when I was a student pilot: In the United States, different flashing colors identify the type of facility. Public use airport beacons flash green and white. The beacons help pilots locate air fields and can be seen for miles. Outside of the US and Canada, airport beacons are rare.Īerodrome beacons operate from dusk to dawn. The origins of the beacon go back to the 1920’s. Without a doubt, my favorite airport light is the granddaddy of them all: the Aerodrome Rotating Beacon. Green/White flashes indicate a public airport. Rotating Beacon at Bowman Field, Louisville, KY (KLOU). They’re really bright you can’t miss them. The lights must be extinguished before an aircraft can proceed.Īs of 2016, fifteen US airports have Runway Status lights installed with more on the way. When the lights are on, there is active traffic on the runway or landing imminently. Unlike the yellow guard lights which mean “use caution,” red stop bar lights mean STOP – Don’t even THINK about moving. The lights are placed along the hold-short line and are switched on and off automatically. Taxiing across the illuminated red lights is forbidden (and really, REALLY dangerous). In an effort to reduce the risk of deadly runway collisions, Stop Bar lights are being installed at many airports world-wide. Red Stop Bar lights (also known as Runway Status Lights) are another newcomer to the taxi light family. Runway Guard Lights: Pilots need a clearance to cross and must use caution. This system is really helpful during low visibility conditions. In addition to the dual flashing units, wig-wags are often installed in-ground, on the runway hold-short line. It’s a lot easier to say “Hey captain, are you blind? The wig-wags are right there!“ Pilots rarely refer to the lights as “Runway Guard lights.” We call them “Wig-Wags.” The red color reminds pilots not to proceed without permission from an air traffic controller. Red signs ( 31R) always indicate a runway. A yellow background with black characters ( A4) identifies a crossing taxiway. A black background with yellow characters ( A3) identifies what taxiway the aircraft is on. Yellow and black signs identify taxiways. Taxiway SignsĪlthough not technically airport lights, taxiway signs are well illuminated and easy to see. The system is amazing and one reason I enjoy flying to Changi. “KLM 836, Taxi runway two zero center via Uniform one, Victor Zulu, Whiskey Alpha, North Cross Three, Alpha Seven, Alpha One, Echo One.” Whew! Without Safegate, a typical taxi clearance at Changi might be: The pilot simply follows the lights to the runway. The green lights can be seen day and night. The Safegate system illuminates the green centerline lights in front of the aircraft as it taxis, providing custom guidance from gate to runway. To make taxiing easier (and safer), Changi’s green centerline lights are controlled by an automated guidance system developed by Safegate Group. Singapore’s Changi International Airport has taken green centerline taxi lights one step further. Safegate Ground Lighting Control & Monitoring System ![]()
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