Are position lights required on aircraft?

Are position lights required on aircraft? Aircraft position lights are required to be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise. In addition, aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system are required to operate that light system during all types of operations (day and night).

Can you fly without strobe lights?

The FAR that deals specifically with aircraft lights, § 91.209(b), provides that no person may “operate an aircraft that is equipped with an anticollision light system, unless it has lighted anticollision lights.” There is an exception allowing the pilot-in-command to determine that, “in the interest of safety,” ...

How far away must aircraft navigation lights be visible?

The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.

Are position lights required?

a. Aircraft position lights are required to be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise. In addition, aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system are required to operate that light system during all types of operations (day and night).

Why do planes flash their lights when landing?

The flashing lights help to make the airplane more noticeable. They have also been suggested to reduce the risk of bird strikes. This is offered as an option or add-on for many types of aircraft.

Do aircraft position lights flash?

(a) If position lights are installed, there must be one steady aviation white position light and one flashing aviation red (or flashing aviation white) position light with an effective flash frequency of at least 40, but not more than 100, cycles per minute.

What are the FAA regulations for position lights?

Forward position lights must consist of a red and a green light spaced laterally as far apart as practicable and installed forward on the airplane so that, with the airplane in the normal flying position, the red light is on the left side and the green light is on the right side. Each light must be approved.

What time period should lights position lights be displayed on an aircraft?

When operating an aircraft between sunset and sunrise (with the exception of Alaska), the aircraft position lights must be on.