What do REILs stand for?

Runway End Identifier Lights, or REILs, are a system of lights located at the ends of runways to assist pilots in identifying the runway during approaches, especially in low visibility conditions or at night. These lights typically consist of a pair of lights positioned on each side of the runway threshold, which can help delineate the beginning of the runway.

The use of REILs is critical for enhancing situational awareness for pilots, as they provide visual cues that guide them to the runway, particularly when other references might be obscured or unavailable. Understanding REILs is important for safe flight operations, especially during landing approaches.