Runway approach lights only show up at certain angles

[captain420 3,099]

Is this how it's suppose to be? At certain angles the lights on the runway don't even show up. But when I'm headed straight on and parallel with the runway, only then do I see the runway approach lights visible.

[Lurk 3]

I noticed the same thing. Think it has always been that way, unless someone can confirm otherwise.

[IAF747 8]

Approach lights can only be seen about 15 degrees either side of the centre line and not too far above the glideslope angle of the runway. I'm not sure how correct this is, but it indicates you can only see it within given parameters of the runway extended centre line.

[jcomm 5,890]

The 15º restriction applies only to PAPI / APAPI ...

 

But find more about it, for instance here:

 

http://legacy.icao.int/fsix/_Library%5CManual%20Aerodrome%20Stds.pdf

[vonmar 122]

Approach lights or "lights on the runway don't even show up".

[IAF747 8]

Yes it's a maximum of 15 degrees + or - for lateral. For vertical I am to sure yet.