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I know that the strobe lights that flash in rapid succession of each other indicate the open end of the runway, to help guide pilots in at night. It's obvious the white lights indicating the edges of the runway. And I'm guessing the green lights at one end, indicate the open end, whereas red lights at the other end indicate you are approaching the end of the pavement.

But what are those lights at the ends of runways on (typically red) poles. Typically in large sets with one set on either end? Are these just to help the pilot line up? I would assume the actual runway edges and center lighting would assist with that?

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As for what they are you can find that in the answer to the question here. In terms of how they work its an extension of the basic runway lighting system. There is a nice video discussing the various types here but effectively they help guide the pilot to the runway by providing them with an extended way to infer where the centerline is (beyond the runway its self) when making a low visibility approach. The system may also include a decision bar which helps a pilot by having a visual marker at a fixed distance from the threshold. Keep in mind that threshold lights lights count as runway in sight so the extended centerline can help a pilot lineup when they can not see the full length of the runway.

The colors will vary based on what the airport in question is equipped with but green is the runway threshold. Red is typically an area in front of the runway, it could be a displaced threshold or it could be an area off the runway all together. However these lights will appear on both ends of the runway and will be visible when approaching from that direction.

It should be noted that while certain lights are required for certain types of operations, lighting is not explicitly required by the FAA and there are plenty of unlit airports as well as a wide variety of lighting situations out there. The field I fly out of has REIL and 5 lights on each side of the runway which is far less than a class B airport would have but may be far more than your back country grass strip has.

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It's part of the Approach light system used to help pilots align with the runway. From this FAA Page

...provides visual information to pilots on runway alignment, height perception, roll guidance, and horizontal references for Category I Precision Approaches.

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  • $\begingroup$ How would they help with height perception and roll guidance? I don't doubt that they do, just literally HOW do they is what I'm asking? $\endgroup$
    – Jon
    Aug 13, 2018 at 22:18
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    $\begingroup$ @Jon The lights are arranged in a distinctive pattern, so pilots learn what a low/correct/high or left/correct/right or banked/level approach looks like and will reflexively fix it (make the lights "look right") before the conscious mind even realizes there's a problem. $\endgroup$
    – StephenS
    Apr 17, 2020 at 0:48

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