Practice question

What color are the lights at the ends of a runway?

  1. Blue at both ends
  2. Red at the departure end and white for the rest
  3. Green for departure and yellow for arrivals
  4. White at both ends

Answer: B — Red at the departure end and white for the rest

The lights at the ends of a runway play a crucial role in providing pilots with visual cues during takeoff and landing. The correct answer highlights that the lights at the departure end of the runway are red, while the rest of the runway has white lights. This color coding is intentional and serves an important purpose: red lights at the departure end signal to pilots that they are approaching the end of the runway, indicating they should not continue further. Meanwhile, the white lights along the runway provide guidance and visibility for pilots as they land or take off, indicating the length and alignment of the runway. Understanding this system is vital for safe operations on the airfield, as it helps pilots make informed decisions based on visual indications during critical phases of flight.

Practice more: USAF Airfield Driving Practice Exam →