Runway edge lights are a crucial component of airport lighting systems used to facilitate safe and efficient aircraft operations during takeoff, landing, and taxi procedures on the runway. These lights are specially designed to outline the edges of a runway, allowing pilots to easily identify the boundaries and align their aircraft precisely.
Typically mounted along both sides of the runway, runway edge lights are small, low-intensity lights that emit a continuous light to delineate the full length of the runway. The lights are installed at regular intervals and provide continuous illumination to ensure visibility during low-light conditions or inclement weather. They are typically white in color, but in some cases, could be amber or yellow as well.
The purpose of runway edge lights is twofold: to aid pilots in maintaining proper alignment during takeoff and landing, and to provide a visual reference for the entire length of the runway, particularly in challenging visibility conditions. By illuminating the runway edges, these lights enhance pilot situational awareness, thereby reducing the risk of runway incursions, misalignments, and other potential hazards.
Runway edge lights are controlled by air traffic controllers or pilots through a lighting control system. They may be manually activated or operated automatically based on ambient light levels or aircraft proximity. These lights work in conjunction with other airport lighting systems, including runway centerline lights, threshold lights, and taxiway lights, to create a well-defined and easily navigable route for aircraft operations on the runway.
