High Intensity Runway Lighting (HIRL) provides powerful visual runway guidance for pilots in low-visibility or night conditions, supporting precision instrument approaches and ensuring airfield safety.
High Intensity Runway Lighting (HIRL) is a specialized system of high-output lighting fixtures installed along the entire length of airport runway edges and at runway thresholds. As the brightest category of runway edge lighting, HIRL is designed for runways supporting precision instrument approaches, high-traffic operations, and operations under severely reduced visibility conditions, such as fog, heavy precipitation, or nighttime.
Unlike Medium (MIRL) or Low Intensity Runway Lighting (LIRL), HIRL systems are capable of multiple intensity settings, with maximum outputs typically exceeding 10,000 candelas per fixture. These lights enable pilots to visually identify runway boundaries, thresholds, caution zones, and runway ends, even when ambient light is minimal or weather conditions are poor.
HIRL is a core safety feature at commercial and international airports, supporting both routine and emergency operations. It is mandated for runways equipped for Category I, II, and III Instrument Landing System (ILS) operations under ICAO Annex 14 and FAA standards, making it fundamental to modern airfield infrastructure.
HIRL serves as the primary visual reference for pilots during takeoff, landing, and taxiing in low-visibility or night conditions, when other cues—such as painted markings or signage—may be obscured. By emitting extremely bright, focused beams, HIRL:
HIRL is especially critical for precision approach runways that handle Category I, II, and III ILS procedures, where pilots may transition from instrument navigation to visual landing cues as low as 50 feet above the runway. The system’s brightness and color sequencing cut through fog, rain, and snow, ensuring safe landings even when other visual references are lost.
By enabling safe operations in all weather and lighting conditions, HIRL increases airport capacity, reduces delays, and maintains economic viability, supporting both scheduled and emergency flights.
| Segment | Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Most of runway length | White | Usable runway edges |
| Last 2,000 ft or half length* | Yellow | Caution zone: approaching runway end |
| Runway end | Red | Absolute end of landing/takeoff surface |
| Threshold (approach side) | Green | Start of landing surface |
| Threshold (departure side) | Red | End of runway for departing aircraft |
*Whichever is less, per FAA/ICAO
This sequencing aids pilots in judging remaining runway length and enhances situational awareness during all phases of flight.
HIRL is coordinated with:
This integration provides seamless, comprehensive visual guidance from approach to rollout and taxi.
1. Night Instrument Approach:
A commercial jet on a rainy night safely aligns and lands using HIRL, even as painted markings are obscured.
2. Aborted Takeoff:
A pilot sees the edge lights change from white to yellow, knows they are in the caution zone, and aborts the takeoff before reaching the red runway end lights.
3. Missed Approach in Fog:
A pilot becomes visual only with ALS and HIRL, executes a missed approach, and maintains safe orientation using the lights.
High Intensity Runway Lighting (HIRL) is a cornerstone of modern airport safety and operational efficiency. By providing the brightest, most reliable runway edge and threshold illumination—backed by strict international standards—HIRL ensures that airports remain open, safe, and efficient in all conditions, supporting global air transport and protecting lives.
Looking to upgrade your airport’s lighting or need expert guidance on HIRL systems? Contact us or Schedule a Demo today.
HIRL is a high-output lighting system installed along the edges and thresholds of airport runways. It provides the brightest possible visual guidance for pilots, especially during low visibility or night-time operations. HIRL is mandatory for runways supporting precision instrument approaches and is regulated by international standards.
HIRL enhances runway visibility in adverse conditions, reducing the risk of excursions, incursions, and misidentification. It supports safe takeoffs, landings, and taxiing during night or low-visibility weather, ensuring compliance with global aviation regulations.
HIRL provides much higher light intensity than Medium (MIRL) or Low Intensity Runway Lighting (LIRL) systems. It is required on runways used for precision approaches and can be adjusted in intensity to suit ambient conditions, offering superior visibility and control.
HIRL systems can be controlled by air traffic controllers from the tower, automatically via environmental sensors, or by pilots using radio-based pilot-controlled lighting (PCL) at uncontrolled airports. Intensity can be set to multiple levels to match weather and operational needs.
HIRL edge lights are white along most of the runway, change to yellow (amber) in the last 2,000 feet or half the runway (whichever is less), and red at the runway end. Threshold lights show green to approaching aircraft and red to those at the runway end. Lights are typically placed 2–10 feet from the runway edge, spaced up to 200 feet apart.
HIRL is regulated by ICAO Annex 14 globally and by the FAA in the United States. These standards specify technical requirements for intensity, color, placement, and integration with other lighting and approach systems. National agencies like EASA and Transport Canada align their rules closely with ICAO and FAA.
HIRL works alongside approach lighting systems (ALS), runway centerline lights, touchdown zone lights, and taxiway lighting to provide comprehensive visual guidance for pilots. This integration ensures safe navigation and runway use in all operational scenarios.
Upgrade your airport’s runway lighting with industry-compliant HIRL systems. Ensure optimal visibility, regulatory compliance, and seamless operations in all weather and lighting conditions.
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