How are runway lights laid out?
Edge, threshold, touchdown zone, centreline and end lights each have a fixed place, spacing and colour along the runway.
A runway lighting layout is the plan of every light on the runway: what type goes where, how far apart the lights are, and what colour each shows along the length. Edge lights run down both sides, green threshold lights (with wing bars) mark the landing end, touchdown zone barrettes and centreline lights guide the landing and roll, and red end lights close the far end.
The colours count down the runway that remains. Edge lights turn yellow over the last 600 m (or the last third of a short runway), and the centreline goes from white to alternating red and white and then red for the last 300 m. Every runway end is the threshold for one direction and the runway end for the other, so a light there shows green one way and red the other. The diagram shows the view of an aircraft landing from the left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is a runway lighting layout?
The arrangement of every light on and around a runway: where each type sits, how far apart the lights are, and which colour each shows along the length. The layout is set by the runway type and the weather minima it supports.
Q2Which lights make up a runway lighting layout?
Edge lights along both sides, green threshold lights with wing bars at the landing end, touchdown zone lights, centreline lights, and red end lights at the far end. Centreline, touchdown zone and wing bar lights are fitted according to the runway category.
Q3How far apart are runway lights spaced?
ICAO Annex 14 sets edge light spacing at not more than 60 m on an instrument runway and not more than 100 m on a non-instrument runway. Centreline lights are about 15 m apart, or about 30 m where the runway is intended for use in RVR of 350 m or greater. Touchdown zone barrettes are repeated every 30 m or 60 m.
Q4How do the light colours change toward the runway end?
Edge lights are white, then yellow over the last 600 m of the runway or the last third, whichever is less. Centreline lights are white, then alternate red and white from 900 m to 300 m before the end, then red for the last 300 m. On a runway shorter than 1,800 m the alternating red and white starts at the runway midpoint instead. Together they warn the pilot how much runway is left.
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