Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What colors are visible when on the upper glidepath of a 3-bar VASI?

1. All three sets of lights are white

2. The near bar is white and the middle and far bars are red

3. The near and middle bars are white and the upper bar is red

4. The far bar is white while the near and middle bars are red

The correct answer is: The near and middle bars are white and the upper bar is red

On a 3-bar VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator), when an aircraft is on the upper glidepath, the visibility of the lights is a crucial indicator for pilots. In this scenario, the correct answer indicates that the near and middle bars are white while the upper bar is red. Being on the upper glidepath means that the aircraft is slightly above the optimal descent angle. In this condition, the two lower lights (near and middle bars) will appear white, signaling that the aircraft is too high, while the top bar lights up red to indicate that the aircraft is above the desired glidepath. This visual cue is essential for pilots to ensure they maintain a safe, controlled descent. Understanding the signaling of the 3-bar VASI helps pilots accurately assess their approach and make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe landing.