What color are runway edge lights?

Runway edge lights are designed to provide visual guidance for aircraft during takeoff and landing, especially under low visibility conditions. The correct color of runway edge lights is white except for the last 2,000 feet of the runway, which use amber lights to indicate caution areas and to signal that the runway is nearing its end.

This color scheme is consistent with the FAA and ICAO standards, ensuring that pilots receive clear, standardized visual cues when navigating runways. The primary role of the white lights is to delineate the edges of the runway at night or in poor weather, supporting safe aircraft operations.

In contrast, the other color combinations do not represent the standard for runway edge lights. For instance, green and white lights are used for runway threshold lights, and red and white lights often indicate obstruction lights, while amber and blue are not standard colors found on runways. Understanding these standards helps ensure safe airfield operations and aids pilots in visual navigation.