Runway Status Lights (RWSL)

RWSL is an automated system that provides advisory information for flight crews and airport vehicle drivers to indicate if it is unsafe to enter, cross or takeoff from a runway. The system has been implemented on certain runways at a number of busy airports in the United States and Japan and is being implemented at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in France. Designed to reduce the number of runway incursions, the system is comprised of Runway Entrance Lights (RELs) and Takeoff Hold Lights (THLs).

The aim of this Briefing Leaflet is to introduce the core elements of Runway Status Lights (RWSL) as they have been deployed and identify the operational considerations relevant to flight crews.