“(The MALSF’s are) all level with the runway. The PAPI’s help pilots angle their approach correctly at the right altitude, and the MALSF’s point to the end of the runway.

The runway approach lights will come in two parts – relocating the precision approach path indicators and adding a medium intensity approach lighting system.

Hence, less noise for residents and a more efficient route for pilots. “(The precision approach lighting is) going to decrease the minimums – make it so pilots can get into the airport safely even in lower visibility situations,” Jenkins said. That means they must enter a rectangular traffic pattern, flying over the city, as opposed to landing when they first come over the mountains. IFR allows pilots to fly with their instruments, as opposed to using visual flight rules.Ĭurrently, IFR pilots must cancel their flight plans and switch to VFR when they try to land in Carson City at night or in smoky conditions, when they can’t see the runway from a certain distance. (Photo: Faith Evans/Nevada Appeal)īut the lights will be key for pilots using instrument flight rules. The Precision Approach Path Indicators, “PAPI’s,” are a set of lights that help pilots angle their landing correctly.

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