The MALSR system (Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights) is a visual landing aid system that helps pilots safely approach and align a runway, especially in nighttime or low-visibility conditions . This system is used at airports with either a precision or non-precision approach procedure .
1. Features of the MALSR system
✅ Medium intensity lighting → Suitable for airports with medium traffic volume .
✅ Combination of approach lights and alignment lights (RAIL) → Helps pilots to correctly align themselves with the runway.
✅ Placed before the runway → Typically 300 to 900 meters inside the approach zone.
✅ Automatic adjustment → Can be dimmed for better viewing conditions.
✅ Part of the ILS system → Aids in Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches .
2. Components of a MALSR system
The MALSR system consists of several lighting components :
| Element | Function | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Light Bars | Regular fixed lighting for alignment | White |
| Sequenced Flashing Lights (SFL) | Flashing lights that create a moving effect (optional) | White |
| Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (RAIL) | Additional flashing lights to support alignment with the track | White |
| Threshold Lights | Mark the beginning of the runway | Green |
| Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) | White flashing lights to mark the runway | White |
💡 Important: Sequenced Flashing Lights (SFLs) are not always used in MALSR. If they are present, they flash in a sequence toward the runway , providing additional visibility.
3. Benefits of MALSR
✈ Provides a clear visual reference point → Helps pilots align safely with the runway.
🌫 Improves landings in poor visibility → Essential for fog, rain and night flying .
⚡ Less energy consumption than high-intensity systems → Suitable for smaller and medium-sized airports .
🔧 Simpler than ALSF-2 → Less intense and cheaper to maintain .
4. Difference between MALSR and other Approach Lighting Systems
| System | Intensity | Features | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALSR | Mediocre | Approach lights + alignment lights (RAIL) | Regional airports |
| ALSF-1 | High | Sequenced Flashing Lights + Approach Bars | Major airports |
| ALSF-2 | High | Extra flashing sequence lights + increased intensity | Major international airports |
| ODALS | Low | Basic omnidirectional approach | Small airports |
💡 MALSR is a mid-range system , ideal for airports where high-intensity lighting is not required .
5. Where is MALSR used?
📍 Medium-sized and regional airports with ILS approaches.
📍 Airports without full precision approximation .
📍 Airports where night flying occurs and extra visibility is required.
📍 Military airfields where a simple, efficient approach is required.
💡 In short:
The MALSR system is a medium-intensity landing aid system that helps with safe approach to a runway. It consists of approach lights, alignment lights, and optional flashing lights , and is used at medium-sized airports with ILS or non-precision approaches .