Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Procedure; Human Factors
During my take off roll off Runway 9 in BOS the red Take off Hold Lights (THL's) illuminated. At the time the lights came on I had already passed through 4R; the only active intersecting runway for that take off configuration. I determined that the safest course of action was to continue the take off roll. Had I been unfamiliar with airport layout or had the lights illuminated earlier in the take off roll I might have decided on a high speed abort. The FAA's guidance on THL's states the following: 'Whenever a pilot observes the red lights of the THLs; the pilot will stop or remain stopped. The pilot will contact ATC for resolution if any clearance is in conflict with the lights. Should pilots note illuminated lights while in take off roll and under circumstances when stopping is impractical for safety reasons; the crew should proceed according to their best judgment while understanding the illuminated lights indicate that continuing the take off is unsafe. Contact ATC at the earliest possible opportunity.' I notified ATC on climb out about the issue and told them I'd like to give them a call when I landed. I called the Tower; the Controller I spoke to was interested in the event. The Controller told me they'd look into it and asked if the Tower Chief could give me a call. I gave her my cell number. I haven't heard back from anyone. I'm writing this report because this has happened before with no traffic in bound for 4R; it also happens automatically when you take off from K on 9 with someone in position full length and the lights can cause an unreasonable distraction for the pilot. Suggestions; I would like the Tower to look into scenarios that might cause erroneous illumination of the THL's. I would also like our pilots to be aware that the THL's will be on if they are issued a take off clearance for Runway 9 at K with another airplane in position full length.
Air Carrier departure from Runway 9 at BOS elected to continue take off after noting the Take Off Hold Lights (THL's) illuminated; the reporter noting a abort was impractical given the circumstances.