AIM Chapter 2 Lights and Visual Aids Flashcards
Lights and Visual Aids
Two bar VASI provides what degree of glide slope?
3 degrees
AIM 2-1-2(a)(2)
Three bar VASI provides glide slope indications at what approach angles?
3 degrees and 1/4 degree higher
AIM 2-1-2(a)(2)
The upper glide path of a three bar VASI is intended for whom?
Use only by high cockpit aircraft
AIM 2-1-2(a)(2)
How far out is a VASI visible during the day?
At night?
3-5 miles day
20 miles or more night
AIM 2-1-2(a)(4)
How far out does a VASI provide obstruction clearance?
+/-10 degrees of runway centerline out to 4NM from runway threshold
AIM 2-1-2(a)(4)
When can a pilot use the VASI for descent guidance?
When visually aligned with the runway
AIM 2-1-2(a)(4)
How far is a PAPI visible during the day?
At night?
5 miles day
Up to 20 miles at night
AIM 2-1-2(b)
A PAPI provides how much obstruction clearance?
+/-10 degrees and 3.4NM from runway threshold
AIM 2-1-2(b)
When can a pilot use the PAPI for descent guidance?
When visually aligned with the runway
AIM 2-1-2(b)
What is the useful range of a tricolor VASI?
1/2-1 mile day
5 miles night
AIM 2-1-2(c)
What is the useful range of pulsating VASI?
4 miles day
10 miles night
AIM 2-1-2(d)
What is an Alignment of Elements approach path system?
Low-cost system consisting of painted plywood panels, normally black and white or flurescent orange
AIM 2-1-2(e)
What is the useful range of an Alignment of Elements approach path system
3/4 miles
AIM 2-1-2(e)
2 bar VASI above, on, below glideslope indication
Figure 2-1-2
3 bar VASI above, on, below glideslope indication
Figure 2-1-3
PAPI above, slightly high, on, slightly below, below glideslope indication
Figure 2-1-5
Tricolor VASI above, on, slightly below and below glideslope indication
Figure 2-1-6
Pulsating VASI above, on, slightly below, below glideslope indication
Figure 2-1-7
What is the purpose of REIL?
Provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway
Consists of a pair of synchronized flashing lights located laterally on each side of the runway
AIM 2-1-3
What does “REIL” mean?
Runway End Identifier Lights
AIM 2-1-3
What does “HIRL” mean?
High Intensity Runway Lights
AIM 2-1-4(a)
What does “MIRL” mean?
Medium Intensity Runway Lights
AIM 2-1-4(a)
What does “LIRL” mean?
Low Intensity Runway Lights
AIM 2-1-4(a)
What color are runway edge lights?
White, except on instrument runways where yellow replaces white on the last 2,000 feet or half the runway lenght, whichever is less
AIM 2-1-4(b)
What color of light is used to help a pilot on approach determine the runway threshold?
Green
AIM 2-1-4(c)
What color of light is used to help a pilot departing determine the end of the runway?
Red
AIM 2-1-4(c)
What does “RCLS” mean?
Runway Centerling Lighting System
AIM 2-1-5(a)
How far apart are runway centerline lights?
50’
AIM 2-1-5(a)
What color are Runway Centerline Lights?
White until the last 3,000 feet
Alternating red and white for the next 2,000 feet
Red for the last 1,000 feet
AIM 2-1-5(a)
What does “TDZL” mean?
Touchdown Zone Lights
AIM 2-1-5(b)
What are Touchdown Zone Lights?
Two rows of transverse light bars disposed symmetrically about the runway centerline. They are steady burning white lights 100 feet from the landing threshold and extend to 3,000 feet beyond or the midpoint, whichever is less.
AIM 2-1-5(b)
What are Taxiway Centerline Lead-off and Lead-on Lights?
Used to warn pilots and vehicle drivers that they are within the runway environment or ILS critical area, whichever is more restrictive
Alternating green and yellow lights, beginning with green, from the runway centerline to one centerline light position beyond the runway holding position or ILS critical area holding position.
AIM 2-1-5(c) and (d)
What are Land and Hold Short lights?
Indicate the hold short point on certian runways which are approved for Land and Hold Short Operations
Consist of a row of pulsing white lights installed across the runway at the hold short point. Will only be one when LAHSO is in effect
AIM 2-1-5(e)
What does “RWSL” mean?
Runway Status Light System
AIM 2-1-6
What is a Runway Status Light System?
A fully auotmated system that provides runway status information to pilots and surface vehicle operators to clearly indicate when it is unsafe to enter, cross, takeoff from, or land on a runway
Consists of Runway Entrance Lights (REL) and Takeoff Hold Lights (THL)
AIM 2-1-6(a)
When will the Runway Entrance Lights illuminate for a departing aircraft?
The departing aircraft reaches a speed of approximately 30 knots
AIM 2-1-6(b)(1)
When will the Runway Entrance Lights extinguish for a departing aircraft?
- Approximately 3 to 4 seconds before the aircraft reaches the intersection
- After the aircraft is declared “airborne” by the system
AIM 2-1-6(b)(1)
When will the Runway Entrance Lights illuminate for an arriving aircraft?
An aircraft on final approach is approximately 1 mile from the runway threshold
AIM 2-1-6(b)(2)
When will the Runway Entrance Lights extinguish for an arriving aircraft?
- Approximately 3 to 4 seconds before the aircraft reaches the intersection
- When the aircraft is below 80 knots, all arrays not within 30 seconds of the aircraft’s forward path are extinguished
- When the aircraft slows to approximately 34 knots, all lights extinguish
AIM 2-1-6(b)(2)
What should a pilot do if they observes red lights of the REL or THL?
Stop or remain stopped and query ATC if the clearance is in conflict with the lights
If safey is compromised, pilots should use their best judgement
AIM 2-1-6(b)(4)
When using pilot controlled lighting, how long are the lights illuminated for?
15 minutes from the most recent time of activation
2-1-8(b)
What is the suggested procedure for pilot controlled lighting?
Initially 7 clicks, then adjust when overflying or just prior to entering the final segment of an approach
2-1-8(c)
How is the highest intensity of lighting activated?
7 clicks in 5 seconds
Table 2-1-3
How is medium intensity lighting activated?
5 clicks in 5 seconds
Table 2-1-3
How is the lowest intensity of lighting activated?
3 clicks in 5 seconds
Table 2-1-3
Where are airport and heliport beacons most effective?
1 to 10 degrees above the horizon
AIM 2-1-9(a)
How often do beacons for airports, landmarks and Federal airways flash per minute?
24 to 30 times per minute
AIM 2-1-9(a)(1)
How often do beacons for heliports flash per minute
30 to 45 times per minute
AIM 2-1-9(a)(2)
What is the beacon color of a lighted land airport?
White and Green
AIM 2-1-9(b)(1)
What is the beacon color of a lighted water airport?
White and Yellow
AIM 2-1-9(b)(3)
What is the beacon color of a lighted heliport?
Green, Yellow, and White
AIM 2-1-9(b)(5)
When are green alone or yellow alone beacons used?
Only in connection with a white-and-green or white-and-yello beacon, respectively
AIM 2-1-9
What is the beacon color of a military airport?
Two quick white flashed and a single green flash
AIM 2-1-9(c)
Operation of the airport beacon during daylight hours at some Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E surface areas may indicate what?
Ground visibility is less than 3 miles and/or the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet
AIM 2-1-9(d)
What is the color of taxiway edge lights?
Blue
AIM 2-1-10(a)
What is the color of taxiway centerline lights?
Green
AIM 2-1-10(b)
What are Clearnace Bar Lights?
Installed at holding positions on taxiways in order to increase the conspicuity of the holding position in low visibility conditions
Consists of three in-pavement steady burning yellow lights
AIM 2-1-10(c)
What are Runway Guard Lights?
Installed at taxiway/runway intersections. Used to enhance the conspicuity of taxiway/runway intersections
Consists of a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights on either side of the taxiway, or row of in-pavement yellow lights installed across the entire taxiway, at the runway holding position
Should not be confused with clearance bar lights
AIM 2-1-10(d)
What are Stop Bar Lights?
Used to confirm the ATC clearance to enter or cross the active runway in low visibility conditions (below 1,200 feet RVR)
Consists of a row of red, unidirectional, steady-burning in-pavement lights installed across the entire taxiway at the runway holding position, and elevated steady-burning lights on each side. Used in conjunction with taxiway centerline lead-on lights
AIM 2-1-10(e)
Should a pilot cross an illuminated stop bar?
No, even if an ATC clearance has been given to proceed
2-1-10(e)
What should a pilot do if after crossing a stop bar, the taxiway centerline lead-on lights inadvertently extinguish?
Hold position and contact ATC for further instructions
AIM 2-1-10(e)
What are code beacons?
Flash the airport identifier in Morse Code 6 to 8 times per minute
Green for land and yellow for water
AIM 2-2-2(a)
What are course lights?
Only seen from one direction and used with rotating beacons of the Federal Airway System
Remnants of the “lighted” airways which antedated the present electonically equipped federal airways
AIM 2-2-2(b)
How often do aviation red obstruction lights flash per minute?
20 to 40 flashes per minute
AIM 2-2-3(a)(1)
When are structures required to be painted in aviation orange and white paint?
Anytime a structure exceeds 500 feet AGL
AIM 2-2-3(a)(2)
When structures are less than what height is aviation orange and white paint not normally used?
200 feet AGL
AIM 2-2-3(a)(2)
When can medium intensity flashing white obstruction lights take place of other methods of marking and lighting a structure?
The structure must be 500 feet AGL or less
AIM 2-2-3(a)(2)
When ____ is installed, red obstruction lights and aviation orange and white paint may be omitted
High Intensity White Obstruction Lights
AIM 2-2-3(a)(3)
When a combination of flashing aviation red beacons and steady burning aviation red lights for nighttime operation and flashing high intensity white lights for daytime operation are used, what may be omitted?
Aviation orange and white paint
AIM 2-2-3(a)(4)
High intensity flashing white lights which identify supporting structures of overhead transmission lines flash how often?
60 times per minute
AIM 2-2-3(c)
High intensity flashing white lights which identify tall structures flash how often?
40 times per minute
AIM 2-2-3(d)
What should a pilot do if they encouter ineffective, incorrect, or confusing marking or signs on an airport?
- Make the operator of the airport aware of the problem
- May also report it under the Aviaiton Safety Reporting Program
- Report the situation to the FAA regional airport division
AIM 2-3-1(c)
What are the color of runway markings?
White
AIM 2-3-2(b)
What are the color of taxiway markings, areas not intended for use by aircraft, and holding positions?
Yellow
AIM 2-3-2(b)
Runway Aiming Point Markers are how far from the landing threshold?
1,000 feet
(Actually 1,020 feet according to AC 150/5340-1M)
AIM 2-3-3(d)
What are Runway Touchdown Zone Markers?
Identify the touchdown zone for landing operations and are coded to provide disatnce informaiton in 500 feet increments
If a runway has markings on both ends, those markings which extend to within 900 feet of the midpoint between the thresholds are eliminated
AIM 2-3-3(e)
4 Runway stripes
60 feet wide
Table 2-3-2
6 Runway stripes
75 feet wide
Table 2-3-2
8 Runway stripes
100 feet wide
Table 2-3-2
12 Runway stripes
150 feet wide
Table 2-3-2
16 Runway stripes
200 feet wide
Table 2-3-2
What does a NOTAM reading 10/28 W 900 CLSD mean?
Identifies a portion of that runway is closed
AIM 2-3-3(h)(1)
How is a Displaced Threshold indicated?
White arrows located along the centerline in the area between the beginning of the runway and the displaced threshold. White arrowheads are located just prior to the threshold bar across the width of the runway
AIM 2-3-3(h)(2)
What is a demarcation bar?
It is a yellow, 3 foot wide bar that delineates a runway with a deplaced threshold from a blast pad, stopeway, or taxiway that precedes the runway
AIM 2-3-3(i)
What are chevrons?
Yellow markings used to show pavement areas aligned with the runway that are unusable for landing, takeoff, and taxiing
AIM 2-3-3(i)(1)
What is the width of a threshold bar?
10 feet
AIM 2-3-3(j)
What is a taxiway centerline?
A continuous yellow line 6 inches to 12 inches in width
AIM 2-3-4(b)(1)
What is an enhanced taxiway centerline?
Consists of parallel line of yellow dashes on either side of normal taxiway centerline extending a maximum of 150 feet prior to runway holding position
AIM 2-3-4(b)(2)
What does a coninuous double yellow taxiway edge define?
Defines the taxiway from abutting surface not intended for use by aircraft
Each line is 6 inches in width and spaced 6 inches apart
AIM 2-3-4(c)(1)
What does a dashed double yellow taxiway edge define?
Defines the edge of a taxiway edge and the abutting surface is intended for use by aircraft
Each line is 6 inches in width and spaced 6 inches apart. Each dash is 15 feet in length with a 25 foot gap
AIM 2-3-4(c)(2)
Can an aircraft use a taxiway shoulder?
No, they are not intended for use by aircraft and may not be able to support its weight
AIM 2-3-4(d)
What is the color of surface painted taxiway direction signs?
Yellow background with a black inscription
Provided when it is not possible to provide taxiway direction signs at intersections
AIM 2-3-4(e)
When are surface painted taxiway signs provided?
When it’s not possible to provide taxiway direction signs at intersections
AIM 2-3-4(e)
What are surface painted location signs?
Black background with yellow inscription
Right of the centerline
AIM 2-3-4(f)
What are geographic position markings?
Located along low visibility taxi routes designated in the airport’s Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS) plan
A circle comprised of a black outer ringe, contiguous to a white inner ring with a pink circle in the middle. A number or letter wil be in the center corresponding to the position of the marking on the route
AIM 2-3-4(g)
What are Runway Holding Position Markings?
Indicates where aircraft is supposed to stop
Consists of 4 yellow lines, 2 solid and 2 dashed 6 inches or 12 inches apart extending across the width of the taxiway or runway
Solid lines are on the side where aircraft is to hold
AIM 2-3-5(a)
What are Holding Position Markings on Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Areas?
Used at some airports where it is necessary to hold an aircraft on a taxiway located in the approach or departure area of a runway so that is does not interfere with the operations on that runway
AIM 2-3-5(a)(3)
What are Holding Position Markings for ILS?
Consists of two yellow solid lines spaced two feet apart connected by pairs of solid lines spaced ten feet aprt extending across the width of the taxiway.
Only need to hold short of this area when instructed to do so by ATC
AIM 2-3-5(b)
What are Holding Position Markings for Intersecting Taxiways?
Located on taxiways where ATC holds aircraft short of a taxiway intersection
A single dashed line extending across the width of the taxiway
AIM 2-3-5(c)
What are surface painted holding position signs?
Red background with a white inscription located on the left side of the taxiway centerline
Used where the width of the holding position on the taxiway is greater than 200 feet.
What are vehicle roadway markings?
Consists of either a white solid line 6 inches wide or zipper markings in lieu of the solid line
AIM 2-3-6(a)
What is a VOR Receiver Checkpoint Marking?
A painted circle with an arrow in the middle. The arrow is aligned in the direction of the azimuth
AIM 2-3-6(b)
What are nonmovement area boundary markings?
Delineates the movement area (area under ATC)
Consists of two yellow lines, 1 solid and 1 dashed, 6 inches in width. The solid line is located on the nonmovement side
AIM 2-3-6(c)
What markings indicate a permanently closed runway?
The threshold, runway designation, and touchdown markings are obliterated
Yellow crosses are placed at each end of the runway at 1,000’ intervals
AIM 2-3-6(d)
What markings indicate a temporarily closed runway or taxiway?
- Yellow crosses placed on the runway only at each end
- Raised lighted yellow crosses may be placed on each runway end in lieu of markings
- Taxiway entrances are blocked with barricades or a yellow cross may be installed at each entrance
- A visual indication may not be present and the NOTAMs should always be consulted
AIM 2-3-6(e)
What do mandatory instruction signs look like?
White inscription on a red background. Denotes:
- Entrance to a runway or critical area
- Areas where an aircraft is proibited from entering
AIM 2-3-8(a)
Facing this sign, where is runway 18?
On the left
Runway 36 is on the right
AIM 2-3-8(b)(1)
What does this sign mean?
No entry
Figure 2-3-29
What does a location sign look like?
Black background with yellow inscription and yellow border
AIM 2-3-9(a)(1) and (2)
What does a direction sign look like?
Yellow background with a black inscription. The arrow indicates the direction of the turn or taxiway
AIM 2-3-10
What does a destination sign look like?
Yellow background with a black inscription
AIM 2-3-11
What do runway distance signs look like?
Black background with white numeral inscription indicating the distance of landing runway remaining in thousdans of feet
Last sign will be located at least 950 feet from the runway end
AIM 2-3-13
What does “EMAS” stand for?
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems
AIM 2-3-14(c)
What does EMAS do?
Constructed of high energy-absorbing materials, it is designed to crush under the weight of commercial aircraft and will exert deceleration forces on the landing gear
Marked with yellow chevrons
AIM 2-3-14(c)
Can an aircraft or vehicle taxi or drive across EMAS?
No
AIM 2-3-14(c)
How long are runway centerline stripes?
120ft long with a 80ft gap between each stripe
AC 150/5340-1M 2.4.5
How long are runway aim point markings? (1000fters)
150ft for runways at least 4,200ft long, 100ft for runways less than that
The width of each rectangular marking is as follows:
1. 30 feet for runway widths of 150 feet or greater.
2. 20 feet for runway widths of 100 feet
3. 15 feet for runway widths of 75 feet
4. 12 feet for runway width of 60 feet
AC 150/5340-1M 2.6.5
How long are the runway threshold markings?
150ft long by 5.75ft wide with a 5.75ft gap between each stripe. However, the gap between the two stripes nearest the centerline is 11.5ft wide
AC 150/5340-1M 2.5.5
How far apart are runway edge lights?
A distance not to exceed 200ft
Must be located 2ft to 10ft from the runway edge
AC 150/5340-30J 2.3.1.2.1
How far apart are taxiway edge lights?
50ft to 200ft
Must be located 2ft to 10ft from the taxiway edge
AC 150/5340-30J 2.5.3.1
