Airport lightning for instrument approach
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: CR
Airport lightning for instrument approach
Hello everyone,
I am currently studying instrument approaches and the required lights for performing them. I have two questions and would appreciate any insights you could provide.
However, I'm still unclear on the exact minimum lights that are required to begin the approach (for example may I perform CAT1 approach if only there are runway edge lights available? etc). I understand that one of the visual references is required to descend below MDA, but I'm still unclear on the exact lighting required to commence the approach to begin with... Could someone please clarify
Thank you in advance
I am currently studying instrument approaches and the required lights for performing them. I have two questions and would appreciate any insights you could provide.
- What RVR and lights are required for a visual approach?
- What lights are required for CAT1 instrument approach?
However, I'm still unclear on the exact minimum lights that are required to begin the approach (for example may I perform CAT1 approach if only there are runway edge lights available? etc). I understand that one of the visual references is required to descend below MDA, but I'm still unclear on the exact lighting required to commence the approach to begin with... Could someone please clarify
Thank you in advance

Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 72
From: Village of Santo Poco
Hello everyone,
I am currently studying instrument approaches and the required lights for performing them. I have two questions and would appreciate any insights you could provide.
However, I'm still unclear on the exact minimum lights that are required to begin the approach (for example may I perform CAT1 approach if only there are runway edge lights available? etc). I understand that one of the visual references is required to descend below MDA, but I'm still unclear on the exact lighting required to commence the approach to begin with... Could someone please clarify
Thank you in advance
I am currently studying instrument approaches and the required lights for performing them. I have two questions and would appreciate any insights you could provide.
- What RVR and lights are required for a visual approach?
- What lights are required for CAT1 instrument approach?
However, I'm still unclear on the exact minimum lights that are required to begin the approach (for example may I perform CAT1 approach if only there are runway edge lights available? etc). I understand that one of the visual references is required to descend below MDA, but I'm still unclear on the exact lighting required to commence the approach to begin with... Could someone please clarify
Thank you in advance
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 156
Likes: 91
From: Finland
Jeppesen approach charts have increased RVR requirement for ”ALS out”. That means ILS approach to CAT1 DA should be possible without any ALS. For night operations minimum requirements for a runway are treshold, end and edge lightning.
Joined: Apr 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 689
From: DM33
No lights are required for a visual approach or a CAT I approach since either can be performed in day VMC. The requirement for any lights only kicks in at night or in reduced visibility.
The lights don't get turned on at my base airport just because a biz jet on an IFR flight plan makes a visual approach in the middle of the day.
The lights don't get turned on at my base airport just because a biz jet on an IFR flight plan makes a visual approach in the middle of the day.





