The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced last week that Runway Status Lights (RWSL), a new technology used to provide a direct warning to pilots about potential runway conflicts, is now operational at all 20 airport sites approved to receive the first-of-its-kind technology.
RWSL consists of two types of lights: Runway Entrance Lights and Takeoff Hold Lights. The former are deployed at taxiway and runway crossings, illuminating them if it is deemed unsafe to enter or cross a runway. The takeoff lights are deployed by the departure hold zone, lighting up if an aircraft or vehicle is occupying a space currently needed by an aircraft preparing to depart. Both systems are meant to provide pilots with warnings about potential runway conflicts.
The system was previously tested at 15 airports in 2017 and, according to the FAA, led to a 52 percent reduction in the average runway incursion rate, leading to 15,484 potential saves. The technology was developed to raise situational awareness utilizes red lights to showcase potential conflicts and rely on airports’ surface surveillance systems.
The lights are fully automated — they require no input from air traffic controllers. This does not absolve pilots and ground vehicle operators from needing to receive clearance from controllers, though.