Commercial Fixed Wing
Confusion
Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport
While riding as flight deck observers on approach for Runway 12R in HOU; it appeared that there was an aircraft or vehicle on the assigned runway. The flying crew mentioned it and queried ATC who stated the runway was clear of traffic. It appears the airport is beginning to install LED in ground taxi guidance lights. The two strings are the turn off guidance for Taxiways M1 and M3 off of 12R. All of the lights are visible from the air while on approach. The terminating light; which is aligned with the runway centerline in both instances; creates the illusion of a vehicle or aircraft on the runway for aircraft on approach to 12R. Dallas has this same configuration off of 31L at D intersection yet the lights are only visible on the ground not during approach. Ensure correct installation of these lighting systems. If they are correctly installed then some type of shielding to ensure these lights are visible for ground operations only. Ensure the flight crews are aware of this illusion until it can be fixed. New LED turn off lights create appearance of aircraft or vehicle on runway.
A flight deck observer reports that he and the crew are distracted during approach to HOU by a bright light on the Runway 12R center line; which turns out to be the first light of the new in ground high speed taxiway lead off lights at both Taxiways M1 and M3.