What is the difference between RAIL and SFL lights?

Question

What is the difference between Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (RAIL) and Sequenced Flashing Lights (SFL)?

Both of them are same in terms of flashing light.

From Wikipedia: "RAIL are similar to sequenced flashing lights, except that they end where the white approach light bars begin." — Sanchises, Jun 06 '17 at 10:32

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 06 '17 at 11:43

4

SFL start at the decision bar. RAILs may not. The key differentiating factor is that RAILs extend beyond the centerline lights.

answered Jun 06 '17 at 11:43

mongo

Thank you for answer. In the other words,SFL is embedded in ALS, on the other hand RAIL is outside of ALS. Is it right? – Aviat Jun 06 '17 at 12:52
@Aviat Lol! "Hand rail" had me confused for a second. [forehead slap] – TomMcW Jun 06 '17 at 13:39
1

There are RAILs and REILs. Had a instrument student get dinged on that once. – mongo Jun 06 '17 at 14:19

1 Answers1