CA.III.A.K9FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
Runway Status Lighting Systems.
Runway Status Lighting Systems.
Bottom line
Runway status lights are red in color and indicate runway status only; they do not indicate clearance to enter a runway or clearance to takeoff. Never cross over illuminated red lights.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| approximately 30 knots (site adaptable speed of a departing aircraft) | REL trigger |
| approximately 1 mile from the runway threshold | Arrival trigger |
| approximately 3 to 4 seconds before the aircraft reaches the intersection, until it slows to approximately 80 knots | REL extinguish |
| approximately 34 knots (site adjustable parameter) | Taxi state |
| 1,500 feet, starting 375 feet from the departure threshold | THL extent |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-19) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AIM 2-1-6 (Runway Status Light (RWSL) System) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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