Runway Markings and Lighting

Runway markings and lighting are essential visual aids that help pilots navigate the airport environment, identify runways, and conduct safe landings and takeoffs. Familiarity with these markings and lights is critical for all pilots.

1. Runway Markings

Runway markings provide essential visual cues about the runway's dimensions, use, and operational limitations. They are standardized to ensure consistency across airports.

1.1 Runway Designators

• Numbers: Runways are numbered based on their magnetic heading, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees (e.g., Runway 09 for 90° magnetic heading).
• Parallel Runways: If multiple runways share the same heading, they are labeled “L” (Left), “C” (Center), or “R” (Right).

1.2 Threshold Markings

• Purpose: Indicate the beginning of the landing portion of the runway.
• Appearance: White longitudinal stripes, with the number of stripes corresponding to the runway width (e.g., 4 stripes = 60 feet wide).

1.3 Touchdown Zone Markings

• Purpose: Provide distance information to help pilots aim for the correct touchdown point.
• Appearance: White rectangular bars on both sides of the centerline, extending from 500 feet to 3,000 feet from the threshold.

1.4 Runway Centerline

• Purpose: Guides the aircraft along the center of the runway.
• Appearance: Dashed white line extending the length of the runway.

1.5 Aiming Point Markings

• Purpose: Provide a visual target for landing aircraft.
• Appearance: Two large white rectangular blocks located approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold.

1.6 Displaced Threshold

• Purpose: Indicates that part of the runway before the threshold is available for takeoff but not for landing.
• Appearance: White arrows pointing toward the threshold, with a solid white line marking the beginning of the landing portion.

1.7 Blast Pads and Stopways

• Blast Pad: Area at the end of the runway designed to prevent erosion from jet blast; marked with yellow chevrons.
• Stopway: Area beyond the runway for decelerating aircraft during aborted takeoffs; also marked with yellow chevrons.

2. Runway Lighting

Runway lighting systems provide critical visual references for pilots during low visibility, night, or adverse weather conditions.

2.1 Runway Edge Lights

• Purpose: Define the edges of the runway.
• Color: White lights along the runway edges, turning yellow in the last 2,000 feet (or the last half of the runway, whichever is less).

2.2 Runway Centerline Lights

• Purpose: Guide aircraft along the centerline during takeoff and landing.
• Color: White lights, alternating with red in the last 3,000 feet, and fully red in the last 1,000 feet.

2.3 Threshold Lights

• Purpose: Indicate the beginning and end of the runway.
• Color: Green lights at the approach end and red lights at the departing end.

2.4 Touchdown Zone Lights (TDZL)

• Purpose: Provide additional depth perception during landing.
• Appearance: White lights on either side of the centerline, extending 3,000 feet or to the midpoint of the runway, whichever is shorter.

2.5 Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs)

• Purpose: Enhance visibility of the runway threshold, especially at night or in poor visibility.
• Appearance: Two synchronized flashing white lights located at the runway threshold.

2.6 Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)

• Purpose: Provide visual guidance to the runway during instrument approaches.
• Appearance: A series of light bars, strobes, or both extending outward from the runway threshold.

3. Pilot-Controlled Lighting (PCL)

At some airports, pilots can activate or adjust runway lighting intensity by using their aircraft radios.

• How to Use: Key the microphone on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF):
  • 3 clicks = Low intensity.
  • 5 clicks = Medium intensity.
  • 7 clicks = High intensity.
• Duration: Lights typically remain active for 15 minutes after activation.

4. Practical Tips for Using Runway Markings and Lighting

• Preflight Planning: Familiarize yourself with the runway layout, markings, and lighting systems at your departure and destination airports.
• Know Your Aiming Point: Use the aiming point markings and touchdown zone to ensure proper landing technique.
• Use Lighting at Night: Adjust runway lighting intensity using PCL when available to enhance visibility without overloading your vision.
• Check NOTAMs: Verify that all runway lights and markings are operational, especially during night or IFR operations.

5. Conclusion

Runway markings and lighting are essential visual aids that enhance safety and efficiency during ground operations, takeoffs, and landings. By understanding these markings and lights, pilots can navigate airport environments confidently and ensure compliance with operational standards.