For night takeoff minimums, which lighting options can control the minimums?

• A. HIRL lights
• B. CL lights
• C. HIRL OR CL lights
• D. Runway edge lights

Answer: (C)

Night takeoff minimums depend on the pilot’s ability to clearly perceive the runway environment. High-intensity runway lights (HIRL) illuminate the surface, helping you see the runway far enough to meet the required minimums and to judge distance and landmarks. Centerline lights (CL) provide a distinct cue along the runway’s center, aiding alignment and depth perception, which is especially important at night. If either HIRL or CL lights are available and functioning, they can satisfy the lighting requirements used to determine whether the published minimums are met. Runway edge lights improve edge delineation but don’t supply the same critical cues for takeoff minima as HIRL or CL, so they don’t control the minimums in the same way. Thus, night takeoff minimums can be controlled by either HIRL or CL lights.