SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-runway-guard-lights

Flashing yellow lights on each side of a taxiway at a hold short line are called what?

Runway guard lights, marking a taxiway and runway intersection.

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  1. Taxiway edge lights
  2. Runway end identifier lights
  3. Runway guard lights ✔

Why: Runway guard lights make taxiway and runway intersections easy to see, mainly in low visibility. They are either a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights or a row of yellow lights across the taxiway at the hold line.

Huh, didn't know that: Some people call the elevated pair wig-wags because they flash back and forth.

The dad joke
Why do runway guard lights flash? They're on the lookout for anyone who forgot to hold short.
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References

Answer: Runway guard lights. Runway guard lights make taxiway and runway intersections easy to see, mainly in low visibility. They are either a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights or a row of yellow lights across the taxiway at the hold line.

  1. AIM Chapter 2 Section 1, Airport Lighting Aids www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap2_section_1.html
    Runway guard lights consist of either a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights installed on either side of the taxiway
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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