Navigation Services
Lighting Systems Group - REIL
FAA Navigation Services Technical Lead: Current Status: There are currently 786 systems in the NAS. Manufacturers include Godfrey (318), Sylvania (161), DME Corporation (RMM Capability) (161), ABD-ALNACO (94), and others (52). A competitive contract for additional systems should delivery the first production units in 2007.
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The REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights) provides rapid and positive identification of the end of the runway. The system consists of two synchronized flashing lights, unidirectional or omni-directional, one on each corner of the runway-landing threshold at an angle of 10 to 15 degrees. The unidirectional lights face the approach area. REIL is effective for identification of a runway surrounded by a preponderance of other lighting; identification of a runway which lacks contrast with surrounding terrain; and identification of a runway during reduced visibility. The REIL provides three intensity settings, and has an approximate range of three miles during daylight and twenty miles at night. The REIL can be controlled by the air traffic control tower, remotely by the pilot, by sensing the current through the runway edge lights, or manually in the control cabinet.
