TEST AND EVALUATE RUNWAY ALIGNMENT INDICATOR LIGHT (RAIL) FOR APPROACH GUIDANCE

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0684088 | Open PDF

Abstract:

An evaluation was completed comparing the Runway Alignment Indicator Lights RAIL with the Medium Intensity Approach Light System MALS for effectiveness in providing identification and guidance as visual approach aids. The two aids were flown alternately in each available weather condition to permit comparison. The results obtained from pilot questionnaires and radar data during day and night IFRVFR operations with weather minimums down to 34- mile visibility indicated the following While the RAIL provided earlier identification and displacement information than did the MALS the glare from the RAIL was so distracting during VFR night operations that pilots considered the RAIL unacceptable. On the other hand, the MALS was acceptable during day and night IFRVFR operations and was rated the better approach aid during VFR night operations. It was recommended that RAIL not be approved for operational use.

Author(s):
Weinstein, Bernard
Author Organization(s):
NATIONAL AVIATION FACILITIES EXPERIMENTAL CENTER ATLANTIC CITY NJ
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.
Pagination:
0032

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NA-69-7, NAFEC-RD-69-8
Project Number(s):
FAA-430-209-08X
Monitor Series:
RD-69-8, NAFEC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*APPROACH, *APPROACH LIGHTS, *INDICATOR LIGHTS, REFLECTIVITY, RUNWAYS, NIGHT LANDINGS, INSTRUMENT LANDINGS, GUIDANCE, VISIBILITY, IDENTIFICATION, ALL WEATHER AVIATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Terminal Flight Facilities
Keyword(s):
GLARE, RUNWAY ALIGNMENT INDICATOR LIGHTS
Report Date:
1969 Mar 01