Solid Red Means Hold

The latest in the FAAs efforts to prevent runway incursions goes into effect at the San Francisco (Calif.) International Airport (SFO) November 30. It takes the form of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL) program, an automated series of red lights embedded in taxiways that enter runways and in the departure end of runways themselves. The lights warn pilots of high-speed aircraft or vehicles on runways, according to the agency.

Friday, November 18, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The FAA is implementing a new Runway Status Lights (RWSL) program, an automated system of red lights embedded in taxiways and runways, at San Francisco International (SFO) and 16 other U.S. airports to provide pilots with direct warnings of unsafe runway conditions, supplementing but not replacing ATC clearances.
The FAA's "Compliance Action" policy prioritizes a problem-solving approach to regulatory deviations, focusing on root-cause analysis, training, and education for unintentional errors, while reserving stricter enforcement for intentional, reckless, or uncooperative behaviors.

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The latest in the FAA’s efforts to prevent runway incursions goes into effect at the San Francisco (Calif.) International Airport (SFO) November 30. It takes the form of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL) program, an automated series of red lights embedded in taxiways that enter runways and in the departure end of runways themselves. The lights “warn pilots of high-speed aircraft or vehicles on runways,” according to the agency.

Since they are automated and independent of air traffic control, they are not a substitute for a clearance to enter or cross a runway. Instead, they’re one more tool pilots and controllers can use to minimize the risk of runway incursions. They’re either off or on: If they’re on, stop and advise ATC you are “holding for red lights.” Do not proceed beyond the lights until they’re off and you have an appropriate clearance.