Which lighting system provides a visual slope indicator for approach angle?

Which lighting system provides a visual slope indicator for approach angle?

• A. MALSR.
• B. Runway edge lights.
• C. PAPI.
• D. Taxiway centerline lights.

Answer: (C)

The need is for a system that gives the pilot a visual cue of the aircraft’s descent angle during the final approach. The Precision Approach Path Indicator provides this glide-path information. It’s a row of lights near the runway that shows a specific color pattern to indicate whether you’re on, above, or below the desired approach slope. When you’re on the correct glide path, you’ll see a balanced color pattern (commonly two red and two white). If you see more white, you’re high; more red means you’re low. This immediate visual feedback helps you adjust your descent to land smoothly. MALSR supplies approach lighting to help you locate and align with the runway, but it doesn’t convey vertical guidance. Runway edge lights mark the runway boundaries, not the descent angle. Taxiway centerline lights guide you while taxiing, not during approach.

The need is for a system that gives the pilot a visual cue of the aircraft’s descent angle during the final approach. The Precision Approach Path Indicator provides this glide-path information. It’s a row of lights near the runway that shows a specific color pattern to indicate whether you’re on, above, or below the desired approach slope. When you’re on the correct glide path, you’ll see a balanced color pattern (commonly two red and two white). If you see more white, you’re high; more red means you’re low. This immediate visual feedback helps you adjust your descent to land smoothly.

MALSR supplies approach lighting to help you locate and align with the runway, but it doesn’t convey vertical guidance. Runway edge lights mark the runway boundaries, not the descent angle. Taxiway centerline lights guide you while taxiing, not during approach.