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runway are white, changing to amber near the departure end of the runway. Recessed
lights are located on the runway's centerline at most large airports. For most pilots, it
is initially a bit unnerving to land on these. They are, however, safely situated under
protective covers.
Sequenced flashing strobe lights line the approach threshold. Air traffic
controllers can change the intensity of the lights from the tower at the pilot's request.
The highest intensity is used to help incoming pilots locate the runway in times of
reduced visibility. The lights are usually set at a low intensity at night so they won't
interfere with the night vision of pilots.
Markings on taxiways and runways also have meaning. Taxiway centerlines
are yellow while those on runways are white. A hold short line, consisting of two
parallel solid lines and two parallel dashed lines, is located at the approach to each
runway. This is the equivalent of a stop sign. An aircraft must be cleared by the tower
to go beyond this point. Each taxiway intersection has a letter designation which
allows pilots to advise the tower of their holding location.
Number designations are painted on each runway. These are determined by the
runway's magnetic direction. Assume, for example, that a runway is oriented in a
southeasterly direction with a compass heading of 145. This is rounded up to the
nearest ten degree number (145 in this case becomes 150) and the final zero is
dropped. This runway's number becomes 15. Similarly, if we consider the position
that is 180 degrees opposite this, the resultant compass heading is 330. Because this
number doesn't need to be rounded upward, we simply drop the final zero and the
runway becomes number 33. An aircraft using this runway would be taking off in the
opposite direction from that in the first example.
Also painted on the runway are touchdown zone markings. These provide a
visual aiming point for approaching aircraft and are followed at fixed 500-feet
intervals by pairs of one, two, or three bars on each side of the centerline. In times of
reduced visibility, these markings assist the pilot in evaluating the remaining runway.
The next time you taxi, see how many of these "road signs" you can identify!
10.4. EXERCISES
1. Ответьте на вопросы.
1.
What do road signs provide pilots with?
2.
Where is the rotating beacon usually located?
3.
What do they signal if lit during daylight hours?
4.
What do blue lights provide for?
5.
What do green lights indicate?
6.
What are red lights used for?
7.
Why are white lights changing?
8.
Where are recessed lights located and how are they protected?
9.
Can air traffic controllers change the intensity of the lights?
10.What has a letter designation?
