Definition
A memory aid used with a two-bar Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI). When the pilot sees the upwind (far) bar showing red and the downwind (near) bar showing white, the aircraft is on the correct glidepath to the runway.
Plain English
A simple rhyme pilots use to read the VASI lights on approach. If the far bar looks red and the near bar looks white, you are at the right height — not too high and not too low.
Context Anchor
Used on final approach when a pilot looks at the VASI lights beside the runway to judge whether the airplane is too high, too low, or on the desired path.
Derivation
The phrase is a rhyme built from the VASI color pattern. “Red over white” describes the actual light arrangement the pilot sees, and “you're all right” helps the pilot remember that this pattern means the airplane is on the correct path.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the correct descent angle so the aircraft touches down at the proper runway point without hitting obstacles or landing long.
Grounding Statement
As the airplane moves toward the runway, the VASI colors change depending on whether the pilot is above, below, or on the light system’s set approach path.
Intuition Check
Do not take “you're all right” to mean the whole landing is automatically safe. It only means the VASI is showing the correct vertical path; airspeed, runway alignment, wind, and runway condition still matter.
Example Sentence 1
On short final the instructor pointed at the VASI and said, 'Red over white, you're all right — hold what you've got.'
Example Sentence 2
The student adjusted slightly until red over white appeared, confirming the correct path.