How are the last 3,000 feet of runway illuminated according to the Runway Centerline Lighting System (RCLS)?

The illumination of the last 3,000 feet of runway according to the Runway Centerline Lighting System (RCLS) consists of all white lights. This particular lighting configuration is designed to provide pilots with clear visual guidance during landing and takeoff, especially in low visibility conditions.

Initially, the centerline lights start off as all white, ensuring that pilots can see the runway alignment as they approach for landing. As they proceed along the runway, when they get closer to the threshold, specific lighting changes are implemented that enhance visibility and safety. Once pilots enter the final stages of their landing approach, the RCLS will employ different colored lights (like red) to signify when they are in a critical approach zone, but this only applies in the very last portion of the runway, and all white lights dominate the first 3,000 feet.

This effective use of light colors helps pilots maintain situational awareness and ensures they can properly gauge their position relative to the runway, especially during nighttime operations or poor visibility.