Definition
An approach lighting system installed at the approach end of certain instrument runways, consisting of a 1,400-foot configuration of steady-burning white lights aligned with the runway centerline, supplemented by a sequence of high-intensity flashing white lights (Runway Alignment Indicator Lights, or RAIL) extending the system outward from the runway threshold. SSALR provides visual alignment, distance, and roll guidance to a pilot transitioning from instrument flight to a visual landing. When SSALR is inoperative, published instrument approach minimums (visibility) are increased per the Inoperative Components or Visual Aids Table.
Plain English
A specific runway approach lighting setup made up of steady white lights along the runway centerline plus a line of flashing white lights leading toward the runway. It helps a pilot coming out of cloud see and line up with the runway. If it is broken, the visibility required to fly the approach goes up.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, airport lighting information, and notes about inoperative approach lighting components.
Derivation
The name describes the system itself: 'Simplified' and 'Short' indicate it is a reduced version of the full ALSF approach lighting system; 'Runway Alignment Indicator Lights' (the flashing portion) come from the older RAIL terminology, where 'indicator' simply means a visual cue showing the pilot where the runway centerline is.
Why Pilots Care
Provides essential visual cues for safe runway alignment when full lighting systems are unavailable or partially inoperative.
Intuition Check
“Short” does not mean the runway is short. It means this approach lighting system is shorter than some full approach lighting systems. “Simplified” does not mean optional or informal; it is still a specific FAA-recognized lighting system.
Example Sentence 1
Because the SSALR was out of service, we added the required visibility increase from the Inoperative Components Table before starting the approach.
Example Sentence 2
During the low-visibility landing, the SSALR lights confirmed the correct runway heading well before touchdown.