← All explained questions · Supplemental · III — Airport & Seaplane Base Operations
When approaching a runway at night equipped with PAPI showing FOUR WHITE lights, the airplane is
Choices
✓ well above the glide path; descend.correct
PAPI standard 4-light interpretation: 4 white = high (way above glide path), 3W/1R = slightly high, 2W/2R = on glide path, 1W/3R = slightly low, 4 red = low (way below). At night, depth perception is impaired so PAPI/VASI is critical. With 4 whites: descend to capture path; over-flying the runway risks an overshoot/long landing.
well below the glide path; climb.
4 reds = low.
on the proper glide path.
On-path is 2 white over 2 red.
PAPI is malfunctioning.
4-white is a valid (high) indication.
Why
PAPI standard 4-light interpretation: 4 white = high (way above glide path), 3W/1R = slightly high, 2W/2R = on glide path, 1W/3R = slightly low, 4 red = low (way below). At night, depth perception is impaired so PAPI/VASI is critical. With 4 whites: descend to capture path; over-flying the runway risks an overshoot/long landing.
FAA source: AIM 2-1-2browse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.