The control method and implementation of runway status light system based on state transition

Runway incursion has always been a key factor affecting the safety of runway operation. Most high-hazard runway conflicts are time-critical, in which the best mitigation strategy is a direct warning to the pilot that the runway ahead is unsafe for crossing or for takeoff. Runway Status Light System is the most effective runway incursion prevention system which using red light to give the pilot a direct warning of runway status. In this paper, we propose a runway status light control strategy and implementation method based on state transition. Firstly, we discuss the components of the runway status light system and the basic principles of its control logical. Then, we establish a state transition model for aircraft and vehicles, and define the control method for each target state of the model in combination with airport ground operation rules. Finally, we validated that the proposed control model can meet the operation requirements using the demonstration results at Hongqiao Airport.