An airport runway lighting system plays a crucial part in an airfield, and if you are wondering exactly what the different colours mean, then you have come to the right place. Here at Up N Atom Electrical, we are qualified and highly skilled electricians who provide services across various industries, including for airport airfields.
Now, onto airport runway lights and their colours – here is what you need to know.
White
White, blinking or steady, and unidirectional lights form the approach lights of the runway. They are the first lights that a pilot will see as they begin to land, showing which direction the runway is. You may also find a selection of white, red, and yellow lights for more complex approach systems, usually in big airports.
A flashing white light is known as the runway threshold identification light (RTIL) and indicates the start of a runway – there are two of these on either side of the runway.
Green
Green, unidirectional lights are used as the threshold lights, highlighting the ‘safe-to-land’ part of the runway (but not where aircrafts land).
White/White, White/Yellow, White/Red, Yellow/Red
These lights are bidirectional and make up the runway edge lights. Depending on the complexity of the runway, the combination of colours can differ. The more colours you see, the more complicated the airfield is.
Red
Unidirectional red lights are used as runway end lights to signify the end of a runway.
Omnidirectional red lights are also utilised as obstruction aviation lights, illuminating obstructions.
Green/Red
A bidirectional green/red lighting combination indicates the runway threshold end – used to save money instead of having both unidirectional green and unidirectional red lights.
Blue
Blue lights are installed on taxiways and aprons where an aircraft moves after it has landed.
There are many more lights at an airfield, but we’ve touched upon the most common ones. At Up N Atom Electrical, we specialise in a wide range of services for the aviation industry, including the installation and maintenance of an airport runway lighting system. As expert electricians, you can count on us to provide exceptional solutions, delivered at the highest of standards – we can ensure that your airport runways are ICAO and CAA compliant. Get a quote by reaching out to us today.
Frequently Asked Question
In New Zealand (including Auckland), what do runway light colours mean?
Runway light colours act as a visual language for pilots to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. In New Zealand, these colours are standardised to provide critical information about the runway’s boundaries and remaining distance. Green generally indicates the start of a runway (threshold), white marks the main runway edges, and red signifies the end of the usable surface. These standardised signals are essential for maintaining safety at all NZ aerodromes, from major hubs like Auckland to smaller regional strips.
What colour are runway edge lights supposed to be, and what do they indicate?
Runway edge lights are typically white. Their primary purpose is to outline the lateral limits of the runway during periods of darkness or restricted visibility. On instrument runways in New Zealand, the white lights may change to yellow for the final 600 metres (or the last third of the runway) to provide a caution warning to pilots that they are approaching the end of the runway.
What are runway threshold lights and threshold identification lights (and what colours are they)?
Threshold lights are a row of green lights that mark the beginning of the portion of the runway usable for landing. These are accompanied by Runway Threshold Identification Lights (RTILs), which are two synchronised flashing white lights positioned on either side of the runway threshold. Together, these green and flashing white lights help pilots quickly identify the touchdown point when approaching a runway at night.
Why do some approach lighting systems use combinations of white, red, and yellow at major airports?
Complex approach lighting systems (ALS) use different colours to guide pilots from the approach path to the runway touchdown zone. White lights are generally used for the main approach “carpet” and crossbars. Red lights are often used on “side row bars” to alert pilots that they are outside the lateral confines of the touchdown zone or reaching the overrun area. These colour combinations provide the necessary depth perception and alignment cues required for safe landings in low visibility.
What is the difference between runway edge lights and centreline lights for NZ aerodromes?
The main difference lies in their placement and the specific guidance they provide. Runway edge lights are located along the sides of the runway to define its width. In contrast, runway centreline lights are embedded into the actual runway surface along the middle. At many NZ aerodromes, centreline lights are white until the last 900 metres, where they alternate red and white, eventually turning all red for the final 300 metres to indicate the runway end is imminent.
How do pilots use runway lights in low visibility and night operations at NZ airports?
Pilots rely on these lighting systems for spatial orientation and distance awareness when the natural horizon is not visible. The specific patterns and colours allow pilots to verify their alignment with the runway, judge their height above the ground via PAPI lights, and determine how much runway remains for braking or takeoff. High-intensity lighting is particularly crucial at busy airports like Auckland to maintain operational flow during fog or heavy rain.
Who maintains runway and aerodrome lighting systems in New Zealand?
Maintenance is performed by specialised electrical contractors, like Up n’ Atom Electrical, who have the training to work in high-security airside environments. Maintenance involves:
- Cleaning and Levelling: Ensuring light beams are aimed correctly and lenses are clear.
- Insulation Resistance Testing: Checking cables for leaks or faults to prevent circuit failure.
- Component Replacement: Replacing lamps and transformers to ensure 100% uptime.
Compliance Checks: Verifying the system meets CAA NZ and ICAO standards.
