Definition
A runway edge lighting system capable of producing a very bright white light output, with adjustable intensity steps controlled by ATC or the pilot, used to mark the lateral edges of a runway during night operations and in low-visibility conditions.
Plain English
Bright white lights running along both edges of the runway, with brightness levels that can be turned up or down depending on how dark or hazy it is.
Context Anchor
A pilot may see HIRL listed in airport information, on an airport diagram, or notice them while lining up, landing, or taking off at night.
Why Pilots Care
They give the clearest runway outline available, reducing the chance of runway incursions or disorientation at critical phases of flight.
Intuition Check
High intensity does not mean the lights are always painfully bright. It means the system is capable of a higher brightness setting than other runway lighting systems, and the actual setting may be adjusted for the conditions.
Example Sentence 1
The controller advised the pilot that HIRL was set to step three for the night arrival.
Example Sentence 2
HIRL edge lights are standard at most airports that support night operations and precision approaches.