Plain English Meaning

Lights set into the runway surface itself, running straight down the middle, so pilots can see and stay on the centerline even when visibility is poor.

Full Definition

A row of in-pavement lights installed along the centerline of a runway to give pilots a clear visual reference for runway alignment during takeoff, landing, and rollout, particularly in low visibility conditions. The lights are flush with the runway surface and are typically white, transitioning to alternating red and white in the final portion of the runway, then to all red near the end to warn of the approaching runway end.

Context Anchor

You see centerline lighting while taxiing onto a runway, beginning the takeoff roll, landing at , or operating when visibility is reduced.