Runway Approach Lights
Your approach lighting systems forms a central part of the complete Aviation Ground Lighting pattern, with High and Low intensity approach systems available depending on the unique requirements of your airport.
The complete approach lighting system is made up of several parts, with each part designed to meet one or more specific lighting objectives. When combined, this system allows pilots to easily visually identify the runway environment and align their aircraft.
The extent to which a particular airport is equipped depends on its licensing category and need to continue operations during periods of poor visibility. Variations in approach lighting system will also be found between civilian and military airports – having a complete awareness of what’s required is vital to a successful installation which minimises operational disruption.
Simplified Short Approach Lighting Systems (SSALR)
Simple approach lighting systems consist of a row of luminaires on the extended runway centre line, with a crossbar of 10 luminaires. It is recommended that the colour of the lights shall be such that they are distinguishable from other aeronautical ground lights and from any extraneous lighting in the vicinity of the system. Where Low Intensity (LI), SSALR lighting systems are installed, they are required to have luminaires displaying red light.
Supplementary approach lighting is only installed for CAT II or CAT III operations and has been previously referred to as SHINGALS (Supplementary High Intensity Narrow Gauge Approach Lighting System). It is the same spacing as used on Touchdown lighting, TDZ, and the aiming point surface markings. The fixtures used for supplementary approach applications are the same as those used for the high intensity approach system, but red filters are fitted to luminaires for side row barrettes.
