An apparatus for illuminating the messenger cable of a helicopter includes a helicopter having a floor and including a RAST system; the RAST system comprising a messenger cable with a connector attached to one end for lowering to a landing deck of a ship, the RAST system further comprising a winch for raising and lowering the messenger cable, a housing attached to the floor of the helicopter through which the messenger cable is raised and lowered, a top of the housing including an opening through which the messenger cable passes, a sheave attached to the top of the housing and over which the messenger cable passes and a pulley attached to the housing and over which the messenger cable passes; a luminescent cover attached to a portion of the messenger cable adjacent the connector; a light mounted on the top of the housing for charging the luminescent cover; and a limit switch mounted on top of the housing for stopping upward motion of the messenger cable.