What is the purpose of Approach Lighting Systems (ALS)?

The purpose of Approach Lighting Systems (ALS) is to assist pilots in landing approaches. These systems are designed to provide visual guidance to pilots as they approach the runway for landing. The lighting configuration helps pilots determine the aircraft's position and descent profile, especially in low visibility conditions. By offering a recognizable pattern or visual cues, ALS enhances the pilots' ability to align the aircraft with the runway, making it safer and more manageable to land. This is particularly crucial during the critical phase of approach when precision and situational awareness are pivotal for successful landings.

The other options, while related to aviation operations, do not accurately describe the specific function of ALS. Navigation during flight pertains more to the overall flight management and routing, aircraft parking requires a different lighting setup than what ALS provides, and illuminating taxiways at night is handled by separate lighting systems designed for ground operations. Thus, C encapsulates the primary role of Approach Lighting Systems.