Definition
A system of lights installed at or near a runway to provide visual guidance to pilots transitioning from instrument flight to a visual landing. These lights help the pilot align with the runway, judge the approach angle, and identify the runway threshold during low-visibility or night operations.
Plain English
Lights at the end of a runway that help a pilot see where to line up and how steeply to descend when coming in to land, especially at night or in poor weather.
Context Anchor
Seen on airport sketches and airport diagrams, and outside the cockpit during the final part of an approach, especially at night or in reduced visibility.
Derivation
“Visual” comes from a root meaning “to see,” and “approach” means “to come nearer.” In aviation, the phrase points to lights that help the pilot see and judge the last part of coming toward a runway.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the aircraft is on the correct descent path, reducing the chance of landing short, long, or too steeply.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse visual approach lights with a “visual approach” clearance. A visual approach is permission or procedure for landing by outside visual reference; visual approach lights are the physical lights that help you see the runway area.
Example Sentence 1
After breaking out of the clouds, the pilot spotted the visual approach lights and continued the approach to landing.
Example Sentence 2
On the visual approach the lights showed two red and two white, confirming the aircraft was on the correct angle.