Runway End Identification Lights
Encyclopedia
Runway end identifier lights (REIL) are installed at many airport
s to provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway
. The system consists of a pair of synchronized
flashing lights located laterally on each side of the runway threshold. REILs may be either omnidirectional
or unidirectional facing the approach area.
They are effective for:
Runway threshold identification lights
Application
5.3.8.1 Recommendation.— Runway threshold identification
lights should be installed:
a) at the threshold of a non-precision approach runway
when additional threshold conspicuity is necessary or
where it is not practicable to provide other approach
lighting aids; and
b) where a runway threshold is permanently displaced from
the runway extremity or temporarily displaced from the
normal position and additional threshold conspicuity is
necessary.
Location
5.3.8.2 Runway threshold identification lights shall be
located symmetrically about the runway centre line, in line
with the threshold and approximately 10 m outside each line
of runway edge lights.
Characteristics
5.3.8.3 Recommendation.— Runway threshold identification
lights should be flashing white lights with a flash
frequency between 60 and 120 per minute.
5.3.8.4 The lights shall be visible only in the direction of
approach to the runway.
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
s to provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
. The system consists of a pair of synchronized
Synchronized
Synchronized can refer to the following definitions:*synchronization , or syncronisation , the coordination of events to operate a system in unison.*Synchronized , a 2002 album by sHeavy....
flashing lights located laterally on each side of the runway threshold. REILs may be either omnidirectional
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional refers to the notion of existing in every direction. Omnidirectional devices include:* Omnidirectional antenna, an antenna that radiates equally in all directions* VHF omnidirectional range, a type of radio navigation system for aircraft...
or unidirectional facing the approach area.
They are effective for:
- Identification of a runway surrounded by a preponderance of other lighting.
- Identification of a runway which lacks contrast with surrounding terrain.
- Identification of a runway during reduced visibility.
Runway threshold identification lights
Application
5.3.8.1 Recommendation.— Runway threshold identification
lights should be installed:
a) at the threshold of a non-precision approach runway
when additional threshold conspicuity is necessary or
where it is not practicable to provide other approach
lighting aids; and
b) where a runway threshold is permanently displaced from
the runway extremity or temporarily displaced from the
normal position and additional threshold conspicuity is
necessary.
Location
5.3.8.2 Runway threshold identification lights shall be
located symmetrically about the runway centre line, in line
with the threshold and approximately 10 m outside each line
of runway edge lights.
Characteristics
5.3.8.3 Recommendation.— Runway threshold identification
lights should be flashing white lights with a flash
frequency between 60 and 120 per minute.
5.3.8.4 The lights shall be visible only in the direction of
approach to the runway.