I fly a lot at KMDW (Chicago Midway) and I did an visual approach landing on runway 13L.As I saw the runway about 10 miles off, actually it was 13C that had the nice 4 light VASI. I got to thinking. If a runway is primarily used for a Visual Approach like 13L at KMDW, why doesn't 13L or all runways used in visual approaches have VASI lights? Will the pilots get confused if they see three sets of VASI lights? BTW this is NOT an error on the part of the FS 2004 representation of the airport. I confirmed no VASI lights on 13 L and 13R from www.airnav.com.Thanks!Barry

Barry, Since the runways at MDW are so close together, I could see how it might be confusing when far out on approach. It appears that the only runways at MDW with VASI lights are the ones that also have ILS approaches. (Precision/glideslope approaches) This might have something to do with the approach corridor (protected airspace) where as the runways to the left and right of center might have obstacles in the way. Those runways have only "Non" precision approaches which means you stay higher longer and thus away from ground obstacles. Generally, the VASI and the glide slope will be set to a 3 degree angle or what ever it takes to insure clearance from obstacles on the ground. Also, the VASI gives the pilot another reference to use when transitioning from instruments to the outside world.Terry