Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)

These systems extend from the landing threshold into the approach area to assist pilots in transitioning from instrument flight to visual flight.

• ALSF-2 (High Intensity): A CAT II standard system featuring high-intensity steady-burning white lights and sequenced flashing lights. It includes red side row lights aligned with the touchdown zone.
• MALSR / MALSF (Medium Intensity): These are common for CAT I precision approaches.
• MALSR includes a Runway Alignment Indicator Light (RAIL) system.
• MALSF utilizes sequenced flashing lights.
• SSALR (Simplified Short): A high-intensity system that includes runway alignment indicator lights.
• ODALS (Omnidirectional): Uses 360-degree omnidirectional flashers to provide visual guidance from any direction.
• LDIN (Lead-In Lights): A sequence of flashing lights that guide pilots along a specific approach path toward the runway.
  
  ALC offers both Incandescent and LED ALS Systems 

On-Runway and Edge Lighting

Once a pilot reaches the runway, different lights define its boundaries and specific zones.

• Runway Edge Lights: These define the lateral limits of the runway. They are typically white, but on instrument runways, they change to yellow for the last 2,000 feet (or half the runway length, whichever is less) to warn of the approaching runway end.
• Runway Centerline Lights: Installed on some precision runways, these are white until the last 3,000 feet. They alternate red and white for the next 2,000 feet and become all red for the final 1,000 feet.
• Threshold Lights: A row of green lights that marks the beginning of the landing surface.
• REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights): Two synchronized flashing white lights located at each corner of the runway threshold to provide rapid identification of the runway end.
  
  ALC offers both Incandescent/Quartz and LED Runway & Edge Lighting in all color combinations in both Medium and High Intensity platforms.

Glide Slope Indicators

- PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator): A system of lights (usually four) next to the runway that tells pilots if they are too high or too low on their approach.
- Four White: Too high.
- Two White, Two Red: On the correct glide path.
- Four Red: Too low.

ALC offers an LED PAPI system and still provides support on our old Incandescent system although we no longer sell the incandescent version.

Summary of Light Colors

- Edge Lights: White (Yellow at end) – Define runway boundaries.
- Threshold: Green – Marks the start of the landing area.
- Runway End: Red – Marks the end of the usable runway.
- Taxiway Edge: Blue – Defines taxiway boundaries.

 

Airport Lighting Company | Runway Lighting Systems Overview (VGLS)