Red Terminating Bars

[xdashdriver]

What exactly are the Red Terminating Bars that are needed to descend below 100 ft above TDZE (when none of the other visual references are acquired)?

I have been looking at diagrams of the various Approach Lighting Systems, and only 2 seem to have any red lights in them at all, the ALSF-I and ALSF-II.

Does this mean that unless you're using one of those ALS that you cannot descend below DH until you have one of the other visual references in sight...or am I missing something here?

Ray

 

[dmspilot00]

Yes, that's exactly right, those are the only two approach lighting systems that use them.

 

[xdashdriver]

excellent, thanks for the speedy reply!

 

[chuychanga]

But the reg also says you can descend if you see the red side-row bars. I think there are more systems with side-row bars that don't have the terminating bars. Either one alows you to descend.

 

[bigsky]

ALSF1 approach lights are Normally present with Cat 1 approach minimums( or at least that seemed to be the original intention) and they have the red terminating bars. ALSF2 has the red side row bars which run for the last 1000 feet- hence may be more obvious in poor visibility and I believe were designed more for cat 2 operations.
But yes these are the only 2 types of the approach light system that permit you to continue below 100 above tdze

 

[TZRav8r]

It seems that perhaps I am reading this differently.

(c) Operation below DH or MDA. Where a DH or MDA is applicable, no pilot may operate an aircraft, except a military aircraft of the United States, at any airport below the authorized MDA or continue an approach below the authorized DH unless --

(i) The approach light system, except that the pilot may not descend below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation using the approach lights as a reference unless the red terminating bars or the red side row bars are also distinctly visible and identifiable.

I may descend below DH if I have the ALS in sight. However, I may not descend below 100 ft above TDZE unless I can see the red terms or side rows. If I am at 100 ft above TDZE and then see the red terms or side rows then I may continue below 100 ft above TDZE to a landing using the red terms or side rows as my reference. If the ALS does not have red terms or side rows then I may descend to 100 ft above the TDZE, however in order to descend below that at least one of the following visual references for the intended runway must be distinctly visible and identifiable:

ii) The threshold.

(iii) The threshold markings.

(iv) The threshold lights.

(v) The runway end identifier lights.

(vi) The visual approach slope indicator.

(vii) The touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings.

(viii) The touchdown zone lights.

(ix) The runway or runway markings.

(x) The runway lights.

Ref: 91.175

 

[bigsky]

I think we all agree with that !

 

[chuychanga]

Agreed.

Any ALS allows you to descend to 100' above TDZE.

Red Side Row Bars and Red Terminating Bars are to be treated the same as the runway, threshold, TDZ, markings, etc...