Pilot/Controller Glossary 

11/3/22 

execute an instrument approach procedure. A 
Runway Profile Descent may apply to more than one 
runway if so stated on the chart. 

(Refer to AIM.) 

RUNWAY SAFETY AREA

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 A defined surface 

surrounding the runway prepared, or suitable, for 
reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event 
of an undershoot, overshoot, or excursion from the 
runway. The dimensions of the RSA vary and can be 
determined by using the criteria contained within 
AC 150/5300-13,  Airport  Design,  Chapter 3. 
Figure 3

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1 in AC 150/5300-13 depicts the RSA. The 

design standards dictate that the RSA shall be: 

a. 

Cleared, graded, and have no potentially 

hazardous ruts, humps, depressions, or other surface 
variations; 

b. 

Drained by grading or storm sewers to prevent 

water accumulation; 

c. 

Capable, under dry conditions, of supporting 

snow removal equipment, aircraft rescue and 
firefighting equipment, and the occasional passage of 
aircraft without causing structural damage to the 
aircraft; and, 

d. 

Free of objects, except for objects that need to 

be located in the runway safety area because of their 
function. These objects shall be constructed on low 
impact resistant supports (frangible mounted struc-
tures) to the lowest practical height with the frangible 
point no higher than 3 inches above grade. 

(Refer to AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design, 

Chapter 3.) 

RUNWAY STATUS LIGHTS (RWSL) SYSTEM

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The RWSL is a system of runway and taxiway 
lighting to provide pilots increased situational 
awareness by illuminating runway entry lights (REL) 
when the runway is unsafe for entry or crossing, and 
take-off hold lights (THL) when the runway is unsafe 
for departure. 

RUNWAY TRANSITION

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(See SEGMENTS OF A SID/STAR) 

RUNWAY TRANSITION WAYPOINT

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(See SEGMENTS OF A SID/STAR.) 

RUNWAY USE PROGRAM

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 A noise abatement 

runway selection plan designed to enhance noise 
abatement efforts with regard to airport communities 
for arriving and departing aircraft. These plans are 
developed into runway use programs and apply to all 
turbojet aircraft 12,500 pounds or heavier; turbojet 
aircraft less than 12,500 pounds are included only if 
the airport proprietor determines that the aircraft 
creates a noise problem. Runway use programs are 
coordinated with FAA offices, and safety criteria 
used in these programs are developed by the Office of 
Flight Operations. Runway use programs are 
administered by the Air Traffic Service as “Formal” 
or “Informal” programs. 

a. 

Formal Runway Use Program

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 An approved 

noise abatement program which is defined and 
acknowledged in a Letter of Understanding between 
Flight Operations, Air Traffic Service, the airport 
proprietor, and the users. Once established, participa-
tion in the program is mandatory for aircraft operators 
and pilots as provided for in 14 CFR Section 91.129. 

b. 

Informal Runway Use Program

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 An approved 

noise abatement program which does not require a 
Letter of Understanding, and participation in the 
program is voluntary for aircraft operators/pilots. 

RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE (RVR)

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(See VISIBILITY.) 

RwyCC

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(See RUNWAY CONDITION CODES.) 

RwyCR

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(See RUNWAY CONDITION REPORT.) 

PCG R

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