Runway edge lights are placed along the full length of the runway, in two parallel rows equidistant from the centreline. These are variable-intensity white lights spaced at maximum intervals of 60 metres (200 feet), except at intersections with other runways. On some runways, a 600 metre section of lights or the last third of the runway at the remote end – whichever is shorter – may show yellow towards an aircraft on takeoff. For a certified aerodrome, runway lighting may also include centreline and touchdown zone lighting depending on runway visibility and approach category.

If a runway is used at night, the operator of the aerodrome shall indicate each side of the runway along its length with a line of fixed white lights that is visible in all directions from an aircraft in flight at a distance of not less than two nautical miles.

Click on the runway edge lights to learn more.

Hover over the runway edge lights to learn more.

Definitions

Touchdown zone: The first 3,000 ft of the runway or the first third of the runway, whichever is less, measured from the threshold in the direction of landing.

References

AIM AGA 7.8.1 Runway Edge Lights (REDL)
CAR 301.07 Lighting

Previous Topic

Back to Lesson

Next Topic