Runway End Identifier Lights or REILs are a system of lights used at airports to identify the end of a runway. They are typically used in conjunction with visual aids such as runway threshold markings, signage, or other visual aids. REILs are typically used in low visibility conditions such as fog, snow, or rain. The primary purpose of REILs is to provide pilots with visual confirmation that they have reached the end of the runway. The lights are typically installed in pairs and aligned with the centerline of the runway.
REILs consist of two white flashing lights that are mounted on either side of the runway threshold. The lights flash alternately, with one light flashing for 3 seconds and then the other light flashing for 3 seconds. The two lights form a V-shape, which is the internationally accepted symbol for the end of a runway. The lights flash simultaneously and at the same frequency, which helps to provide visual confirmation of the end of a runway.
The primary purpose of REILs is to provide visual confirmation to pilots that they have reached the end of the runway. This is especially important in low visibility conditions, when other visual aids such as runway threshold markings may not be visible. By providing visual confirmation, REILs help to ensure that pilots land safely and accurately. They can also help to reduce the risk of runway excursions, which can occur when pilots miss the runway threshold due to poor visibility.
In addition to providing visual confirmation, REILs can also be used to provide navigational guidance. The lights can be used to help pilots identify the location of the runway threshold, which can be helpful in low visibility conditions. Additionally, REILs can be used to provide a visual reference point for pilots to help them align their aircraft with the runway centerline.
REILs are an important part of airport lighting systems and are required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for airports that have runways over a certain length. The ICAO also recommends that airports install REILs for runways that are shorter than the minimum length, as they can help to improve the safety of operations. REILs are typically installed in conjunction with other visual aids such as runway threshold markings, signage, or other visual aids.
What Are The Benefits Of Using REILs?
REILs provide a number of benefits to pilots, airports, and air traffic controllers. The primary benefit is that they provide visual confirmation to pilots that they have reached the end of the runway. This is especially important in low visibility conditions, when other visual aids may not be visible. By providing visual confirmation, REILs help to ensure that pilots land safely and accurately.
REILs can also be used to provide navigational guidance. The lights can be used to help pilots identify the location of the runway threshold, which can be helpful in low visibility conditions. Additionally, REILs can be used to provide a visual reference point for pilots to help them align their aircraft with the runway centerline.
REILs also help to improve the safety of operations at airports. By providing visual confirmation that the end of the runway has been reached, REILs reduce the risk of runway excursions. Additionally, they can help to reduce the risk of aircraft collisions due to misalignment with the runway centerline.
Finally, REILs can help to reduce the workload of air traffic controllers. By providing pilots with visual confirmation that they have reached the end of the runway, REILs can reduce the need for air traffic controllers to provide verbal confirmation. This can help to reduce the amount of time that air traffic controllers spend on each landing.
Conclusion
Runway End Identifier Lights or REILs are a system of lights used at airports to identify the end of a runway. The primary purpose of REILs is to provide pilots with visual confirmation that they have reached the end of the runway. REILs provide a number of benefits to pilots, airports, and air traffic controllers, including providing visual confirmation, navigational guidance, and helping to reduce the risk of runway excursions and aircraft collisions. REILs are an important part of airport lighting systems and are required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for airports that have runways over a certain length.