![]() These are various lights that help pilots identify parts of the runway complex. ![]() PAPI, like VASI, provide only one visual glidepath that is normally set at 3°. PAPI uses lights similar to that of the VASI system, except they are installed in a single row, normally on the left side of the runway. This is what Infinite Flight uses for its airports. Second, the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system. To help you remember you’re on the right glidepath, there’s a saying I was taught when I was training for my PPL: ‘Red over white, you’re all right.’ The principle of VASI is to provide a colour differentiation between red and white to help indicate that you are on the correct glidepath. The 2-bar VASI has near and far light bars (Fig 2). VASI consist of lights arranged in bars that are either 2-bar or 3-bar systems. It is the most common visual glidepath system. In theory, if the pilot adheres to the glidepath provided by the system, s/he should have adequate obstacle clearance and should land within the touchdown zone.įirst, the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) system. Visual glideslope indicators help to provide pilots with glidepath information and can be used for day or night approaches. The easiest explanation of a non-precision runway is a runway which utilises an instrument approach whilst using air navigation with only horizontal guidance.Īlthough there are multiple systems, I will only cover two systems which I personally have encountered during my time in the air. Each system’s configuration depends on whether the runway is a precision or non-precision instrument runway.īefore you ask…the easiest explanation of a precision runway is a runway which has non-visual precision approach aids: indicators for a touchdown zone, fixed-distance markers, side strips, etc. Some systems include sequenced flashing lights that make it appear as though a ball of light is traveling toward the runway at high speed. These are intended to assist pilots transition from instrument flight to visual flight landing approaches. Two quick white flashes alternating with a green flash are for airports you should probably not be landing at…they are for military airports The combination of colours from the beacon indicate the type of airportįlashing white and green are for civilian airportsįlashing white and yellow are for water airportsįlashing white, yellow, and green are for a heliport Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the pilot to determine if weather conditions meet VFR requirements. If the ceiling is less than 1000 ft and/or the ground visibility is less than 3 statute miles (VFR minimums) the beacon is switched on. However, this is not a requirement for airports. These help pilots to identify an airport at night and are normally operated from dusk until dawn. Luckily, for you travellers of the Infinite Flight world and within real world aviation, airport lighting is standardised. The variety and type of lighting systems depend on how complex the layout, and volume of traffic of that particular airport. The majority of airports, no matter the size or location, have some type of lighting. Per usual fashion, I will include visual aids to provide a better understanding of what I’m trying to convey. In this essay, I will briefly discuss different lighting systems such as VASI, RCLS, and others. ![]() Airport lighting can even help you make a nice, smooth touchdown. Airport lighting can save your life and those of others. Whilst this might be considered to be a boring topic for some, it is a very important topic in all actuality.
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