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When approaching a runway with VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator) at night, you see RED OVER WHITE lights. This means

Choices

you are too high.
White over white = high.
✓ you are on the proper glide path.correct
VASI memory: 'red over red, you're DEAD' (too low), 'white over white, you'll fly all night' (too high), 'red over white, you're ALRIGHT' (on path). Two-bar VASI: lower bar should be white when on path. PAPI (4-light precision): 2 red + 2 white = on path; 3+ white = high; 3+ red = low.
you are too low.
Red over red = low.
the VASI is malfunctioning.
Red over white is the normal correct indication.

Why

VASI memory: 'red over red, you're DEAD' (too low), 'white over white, you'll fly all night' (too high), 'red over white, you're ALRIGHT' (on path). Two-bar VASI: lower bar should be white when on path. PAPI (4-light precision): 2 red + 2 white = on path; 3+ white = high; 3+ red = low.

FAA source: AIM 2-1-2; AIM 2-1-2 Visual Glideslope Indicatorsbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · III — Airport & Seaplane Base Operations — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.