An aircraft anti-collision light system can use one or more rotating beacons and strobe lights and be colored either red or white
The red light on the tail is often referred to as the beacon, while the wing lights are referred to as the strobes
They assist others in gaining the attention of an operating aircraft's position, particularly at night when their use is mandatory
Care should be used during their operation at night when in the vicinity of others while on the ground
Their use on the ground should be limited to when required (when an engine is running) if their use otherwise risks blinding pilots operating nearby
In this way, when conducting a preflight, quickly check the function of the lights and then turn them off for the remainder of the walk-around
Navigation (Position) Lights:
Airplane Flying Handbook, Aircraft Position Lights
Navigation lights are the red (left-wing) and green (right-wing) lights which provide positional information about an aircraft [Figure 1]
If confused about which color is on which wing, consider your instructor pilot (safety pilot) sat in the right seat (green) while the student (arguably more hazardous) sat in the left seat (red)
Additionally, the aft of the aircraft will have a white light
Airplane Flying Handbook, Aircraft Position Lights
Interior Aircraft Lights:
Interior lighting varies greatly between aircraft
Lighting may include a spotlight or lights for individual instruments
Use the lowest settings available to preserve night vision
Aircraft Lighting Regulations:
Aircraft position lights are required to be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise (or in Alaska, during the period when a prominent unlighted object cannot be seen from a distance of 3 Statute Miles (SM) or the sun is more than 6° below the horizon)
Note the sunset and sunrise is more restrictive than Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.1's definition of night
The military is given an exception to civilian lighting rules under certain conditions, which is one of the reasons why flight through a Military Operating Area can be particularly hazardous
In addition, it is required that aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system operate that light system during all types of operations (day and night)
An aircraft anti-collision light system can use one or more rotating beacons and strobe lights, be colored either red or white, and have different (higher than the minimum) intensities when compared to other aircraft
Many aircraft have both a rotating beacon and a strobe light system
All lights must be functional to meet FAR 91.205 requirements
Supplementary strobe lights should be turned off on the ground when they adversely affect ground personnel or other pilots and in flight when there are adverse reflections from clouds
During any adverse meteorological conditions, the Pilot-In-Command may turn off the anti-collision lights when their light output would constitute a hazard to safety (14 CFR Section 91.209)
In the event of failure of any light of the anti-collision light system, operations may continue to a stop where repairs or replacements can be made
If the aircraft is operated for hire, one electric landing light is required
No person may:
Park or move an aircraft in, or in dangerous proximity to, a night flight operations area unless:
The aircraft is clearly illuminated
The aircraft has lighted position lights
The aircraft is in an area marked by obstruction lights
Anchor an aircraft unless:
Has lighted anchor lights or
It is in an area where anchor lights are not required on vessels
takeoffs-and-landings/taxi lights should be utilized for all taxi movements ashore during the hours of darkness unless a taxi signalman is directing the aircraft
The FAA allows pilots to exercise good judgment to avoid blinding pilots of other aircraft that are either airborne or on the ground, as well as ground personnel when conditions like night or when flying in instrument meteorological conditions
Operation Lights On:
The FAA has a voluntary pilot safety program, Operation Lights On, to enhance the see-and-avoid concept
Pilots are encouraged to turn on their landing lights during takeoff, either after receiving their takeoff clearance or when beginning the takeoff roll
Pilots are further encouraged to turn their landing lights on when operating below 10,000', day or night, especially within 10 miles of any airport, or in conditions of reduced visibility and in areas where expecting flocks of birds, i.e., coastal areas, lake areas, around refuse dumps, etc.
Although turning on aircraft lights does enhance the see-and-avoid concept, pilots should not become complacent about keeping a sharp lookout for other aircraft
Not all aircraft are equipped with lights, and some pilots may not have their lights turned on
Pilots should observe aircraft manufacturers' recommendations for landing lights and electrical systems operation
Propeller, and jet blast forces generated by large aircraft have overturned or damaged several smaller aircraft taxiing behind them
To avoid similar results, and in the interest of preventing upsets and injuries to ground personnel from such forces, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that air carriers and commercial operators turn on their rotating beacons any time their aircraft engines are in operation
General aviation pilots using rotating beacon-equipped aircraft are also encouraged to participate in this program to alert others to the potential hazard
Since this is a voluntary program, exercise caution and do not rely solely on the rotating beacon as an indication that aircraft engines are in operation
Before commencing taxi, it is recommended to turn on navigation, position, anti-collision, and logo lights (if equipped)
To signal intent to other pilots, consider turning on the taxi light when the aircraft is moving or intending to move on the ground and turning it off when stopped or yielding to other ground traffic
Strobe lights should not be illuminated during taxi if they will adversely affect the vision of other pilots or ground personnel
Pilots should illuminate all exterior lights when taxiing on or across any runway
Exterior lighting increases the conspicuousness of the aircraft to controllers and other pilots approaching to land, taxiing, or crossing the runway
Pilots should comply with any equipment operating limitations and consider the effects of landing and strobe lights on other aircraft in their vicinity
When entering the departure runway for takeoff or to "line up and wait," all lights, except for landing lights, should be illuminated to make the aircraft conspicuous to Air Traffic Control and other aircraft on approach
Landing lights should be turned on when takeoff clearance is received or when commencing takeoff roll at an airport without an operating control tower
Aircraft Lighting Knowledge Quiz:
Conclusion:
Aircraft lighting is important in assisting in seeing and avoiding other aircraft
Remember that, generally speaking, anti-collision lights are required at all times, while position lights are only required at night
Still, leaving them on continuously, especially with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) lighting becoming more prevalent, is worthy of consideration, as long as they do not cause blinding at night
Read more about Aviation Roles to understand how lighting configurations pertain
