Red runway status lights used at large U.S. airports such as Chicago O’Hare International and JFK indicate runway status, thereby increasing situation awareness for pilots and vehicle operators. The lights are set in-pavement and illuminate when it is unsafe to enter, cross or begin takeoff.
Everything Explained: Runway Status Lights
Key Takeaways:
- Runway status lights (including Runway Entrance Lights, Takeoff Hold Lights, and Runway Intersection Lights) are automatic, in-pavement red lights used at large U.S. airports to enhance pilot and vehicle operator awareness by indicating when it's unsafe to enter, cross, or begin takeoff on a runway.
- Runway Entrance Lights (REL) are located on entrance taxiways and illuminate when a runway is occupied or an aircraft is on final approach, while Takeoff Hold Lights (THL) are on the runway at the takeoff position and indicate it's unsafe to proceed due to other traffic.
- The Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS) uses flashing PAPI lights to warn pilots of runway occupancy during final approach, requiring a go-around if the indication persists below 300 feet AGL.
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