Runway Status Lights

Runway Status Lights

The Runway Status Lights (RWSL) system is a new technology the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is deploying to make runways even safer at busy airports. The system adds to the layers of protection already in place by providing visual alerts to pilots and drivers when runway traffic makes it unsafe to enter, cross, or begin takeoff. The lights enhance safety without affecting with normal and safe operations — an important consideration at airports that handle hundreds of operations an hour.

The system works by analyzing radar and satellite tracking data from ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) to determine where aircraft and vehicles are, and where they will be in time. When it detects potential conflicts, the system automatically illuminates lines of bright red lights in the pavement of select runways and taxiways. The lights extinguish as soon as the conflicts resolve and it is safe to move forward.

Runway Status Lights are important for ground vehicles as well as for aircraft, and work in exactly the same way. The lights help vehicle drivers avoid entering runways that are, or will soon be in use.

The system adds a vital layer of redundancy to runway safety and reinforces controller guidance without replacing it. Air traffic control clearances are still required for any operation on airport runways.