Definition
An approach lighting system installed at the approach end of certain instrument runways, consisting of a shorter configuration of steady-burning white lights centered on the extended runway centerline, supplemented by sequenced flashing lights (Runway Alignment Indicator Lights, or RAIL) in the outer portion to help the pilot identify the final approach course at night or in low visibility. When SSALR is inoperative, the minimum visibility required for an instrument approach to that runway is increased.
Plain English
A specific kind of runway approach lighting that uses a row of white lights down the centerline plus a series of flashing lights that appear to run toward the runway, helping the pilot line up with the runway during a low-visibility approach.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, runway lighting descriptions, and inoperative equipment tables for instrument approaches.
Derivation
The name describes the system itself: 'Simplified' and 'Short' indicate it is a reduced version of a fuller approach lighting system; 'Approach Lighting System' is the general category of lights leading to the runway; and 'Runway Alignment Indicator Lights' are the sequenced flashers that visually point toward the threshold. Knowing each piece of the name tells you exactly what the pilot will see.
Why Pilots Care
The presence or inoperative status of an SSALR directly determines the visibility and decision altitude required to continue an approach to landing.
Intuition Check
SSALR is not the runway lights themselves. It is the lighting system before the runway that guides you toward the runway and helps with alignment.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the approach, the crew noted that the SSALR was out of service and adjusted their minimum visibility accordingly.
Example Sentence 2
With the SSALR reported inoperative, the crew added the required penalty to the approach visibility minimum.