Runway Status Lights System

This site is hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory in support of the FAA/ATO-P RWSL DFW Operational Evaluation. MIT Lincoln Laboratory has been tasked by FAA/ATO-P to implement the evaluation system at DFW, design and execute the Operational Evaluation, and develop an assessment of the operational suitability of Runway Status Lights (RWSL).

Created on November 29, 2004. Updated on November 3, 2009.

RWSL is a fully automatic, advisory safety system designed to reduce the number and severity of runway incursions and thus prevent runway accidents while not interfering with airport operations. RWSL is designed to be compatible with existing procedures. RWSL is comprised of Takeoff Hold Lights (new) and Runway Entrance Lights.

As part of an ongoing effort to explore new technologies, the FAA’s Runway Incursion Reduction Program (RIRP) has developed the Runway Status Light System (RWSL). The RWSL system aims to improve crew and vehicle operator situational awareness through accurate and timely indication of runway usage.

The Problem	The Solution: Part 1
Most runway incursions are caused by a lack of situational awareness.	Runway Entrance Lights (RELs) illuminate red when a runway is unsafe to enter or cross due to a high-speed operation on the runway. [ More... ]

The Solution: Part 2

Takeoff Hold Lights (THLs) illuminate Red to indicate an unsafe condition when an aircraft is in position for takeoff and another aircraft or vehicle is on or about to be on the runway in front of it. To be consistent in appearance with Runway Entrance Lights (RELs), THLs are placed longitudinally along the runway centerline. [ More... ]

Between 2005 and 2009, RELs and THLs were installed at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); and RELs were installed at San Diego International Airport (SAN). With continued support from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the FAA has extended operational evaluations of runway status lights at these test airports indefinitely.

The below graphics are runway diagrams of DFW, LAX, and SAN with locations of in-pavement Runway Status Lights marked with red bars on runways 18L/36R, 17C/35C, and 17R/35L at DFW, runways 6R/24L, 7R/25L, and 7L/25R at LAX and on runway 9/27 at SAN.

Dallas/Fort Worth Airport

Los Angeles Airport

San Diego Airport

This work is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration under Air Force Contract FA8721-05-C-0002. Opinions, interpretations, recommendations, and conclusions are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the United States Government.