How are runway centerline lights configured for the last 3,000 feet of the runway?

Runway centerline lights are a critical component of airport lighting systems, designed to guide pilots during takeoff and landing. In the final approach to landing, pilots need clear visual cues about the remaining runway length.

For the last 3,000 feet of the runway, the lights are configured to alternate between red and white. This specific pattern serves an essential purpose: it provides pilots with a visual indication that they are nearing the end of the usable runway surface. The alternating colors create a signal that indicates the runway's length and enhances situational awareness, especially in low-visibility conditions.

By signaling that the pilot is approaching the end of the runway, this configuration helps prevent potential overruns and enhances overall safety during critical landing maneuvers.