RELs Training Briefing

In order to provide the desired level of safety without impairing the efficiency of the controller, the timing of the lights is critical. Pilots should recognize that the Runway Entrance Lights (RELs) might be illuminated when the controller initiates a clearance, but they should be extinguished before the controller finishes issuing the clearance. RELs TURNING OFF DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CLEARANCE TO CROSS OR ENTER A RUNWAY. The RWSL system is designed to provide a direct status indication to pilots that a runway is unsafe to enter or cross.

Pilots will be trained in the RWSL concept and REL procedures before the RWSL operational evaluation commences. These include the following:

1. When the RELs illuminate, the flight crew should remain clear of the runway.
   
2. When cleared to either “take off, cross the runway, position and hold, or for immediate takeoff”, and RELs are illuminated, stop the aircraft and indicate to Air Traffic Control (ATC) that you are stopped with red lights and then wait for further clearance.
   
3. If the aircraft crosses the hold line and the flight crew subsequently observes illuminated lights, then, if practical, the flight crew should stop the airplane and notify Air Traffic that they are stopped across the hold line because of red lights.
   
4. If remaining clear of the runway is impractical for safety reasons, then crews should proceed according to their best judgment of safety (understanding that the illuminated REL indicates the runway is unsafe to cross or enter) and contact ATC at the earliest opportunity.

RELs Training briefing with animations (PowerPoint slideshow)

Mac version

PC version

RELs Training Briefing without animations (Adobe pdf) 

SAN RELs Training Briefing (Adobe pdf)

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