What does it mean when the runway lights change color on rollout?

What does it mean when the runway lights change color on rollout?

• A. You have 2,000 feet of runway remaining (last third)
• B. The runway is closed for maintenance
• C. You should go around
• D. You have 5,000 feet remaining

Answer: (A)

The lights changing color is a distance cue. On most runways, the centerline lights switch from white to amber in the last portion of the pavement, signaling you are in the rollout phase with only about 2,000 feet remaining (the last third of a typical 6,000-foot runway). This helps you gauge how much runway you have left after touchdown and plan your braking, alignment, and turning off accordingly. It isn’t a sign of closure or an automatic instruction to go around.

The lights changing color is a distance cue. On most runways, the centerline lights switch from white to amber in the last portion of the pavement, signaling you are in the rollout phase with only about 2,000 feet remaining (the last third of a typical 6,000-foot runway). This helps you gauge how much runway you have left after touchdown and plan your braking, alignment, and turning off accordingly. It isn’t a sign of closure or an automatic instruction to go around.