Definition
A medium-intensity approach lighting system installed at the approach end of a runway, consisting of a row of steady white lights extending outward from the runway threshold along the extended centerline, plus a set of high-intensity sequenced flashing lights (the runway alignment indicator lights, or RAIL) on the outer portion that flash in rapid succession toward the threshold. The SSALR is shorter than a full ALSF system and is used to support precision and non-precision instrument approaches by giving the pilot a clear visual reference to the runway centerline during the transition from instruments to visual flight.
Plain English
A shorter runway approach lighting setup that combines a line of steady white lights leading to the runway with a row of fast-flashing lights farther out that appear to chase toward the runway, helping the pilot line up and find the runway when breaking out of cloud or low visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in airport lighting descriptions, especially for runways served by instrument approaches in reduced visibility.
Derivation
The name is descriptive: 'simplified' and 'short' indicate it is a reduced version of the longer ALSF system; 'runway alignment indicator lights' refers specifically to the sequenced flashing lights that visually point toward the runway. Knowing this helps the pilot recognize that SSALR is essentially a scaled-down approach light system with the chasing flashers added for centerline guidance.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots reliable visual reference for runway alignment on approaches where full Category I or II lighting is not installed, helping prevent misalignment on landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture a short trail of lights before the runway, with flashing lights drawing your eyes straight toward the runway centerline.
Intuition Check
“Simplified” does not mean informal or optional; it means this is a specific approved lighting layout. “Short” refers to the shorter light system, not to the length of the runway.
Example Sentence 1
As we descended through the cloud base on the ILS, the sequenced flashers of the SSALR appeared dead ahead, confirming we were aligned with the runway centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Because the airport only had an SSALR system installed, the approach minimums were higher than those available with a full ALSF-2.