Aeronautical Information Manual

AIM 2-1-3

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

REILs are installed at many airfields to provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway. The system consists of a pair of synchronized flashing lights located laterally on each side of the runway threshold. REILs may be either omnidirectional or unidirectional facing the approach area. They are effective for:

Identification of a runway surrounded by a preponderance of other lighting.

Identification of a runway which lacks contrast with surrounding terrain.

Identification of a runway during reduced visibility.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.