Question

[dubravko 0]

Hi everyone...Could someone explain me difference between VASI and PAPI approach indicators. Thanks for answering my question.Cheers...

[Guest Motormouse]

Ok,in their use there's no difference, they both do the same job,using the red and white lights to guide you to the correct approach path for the runway, however where they differ is that the PAPI can be more accurately set than the VASI, and is superceding the VASIat most airports now.More often the PAPI has two or more rows of light boxes, whilst the VASI has only one row of lights.Hope this helps:-wavePete

[Guest R_Driscoll]

Pete's covered it well. If you want more detail, go to here:http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap2/aim0201.htmlIts a useful ref for a lot of lighting details. But Australian systems seem to be a lot different from the USA systems. I suppose that goes for all countries. So taxiway indications, clearance distances etc are different here.But I don't care cause I don't fly. Except when I'm late for work. Then I gotta.Cheers,RobD.

[Guest Motormouse]

Even I get VASI's and PAPI's mixed up :-lol:-wavePete(VASI,2 or more rows,PAPI, single row)

[Guest R_Driscoll]

OK, then its time I revealed the real meaning of the terms:VASI - Very Approximate Sort of IndicationPAPI - Perfect Approach for Pilot Idiot (Although in the textbooks they muck around with lots of other words like "precision" etc).RobDBy the way, I TRY to put the right form of lighting / glideslope indicator etc with my airports, but let me know if I get them wrong. Usually Andy sends me maps and charts (thanks Andy), so its not his fault if I get them wrong, but if you want anything fixed give a holler.