background image

AIM 

4/20/23

 

4

3

28

Airport Operations

be accomplished. The pilot should make a request for this procedure passing the final approach fix inbound on
an instrument approach or entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern. After ATC approval of the option, the
pilot should inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during their stop-and-go or full stop
landing. The advantages of this procedure as a training aid are that it enables an instructor or examiner to obtain
the reaction of a trainee or examinee under changing conditions, the pilot would not have to discontinue an
approach in the middle of the procedure due to student error or pilot proficiency requirements, and finally it
allows more flexibility and economy in training programs. This procedure will only be used at those locations
with an operational control tower and will be subject to ATC approval.

4

3

23. Use of Aircraft Lights

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). However, during any adverse meteorological conditions,
the pilot

in

command may determine that the anti

collision lights should be turned off when their light output

would constitute a hazard to safety (14 CFR Section 91.209). 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
reflection from clouds.

b.

An aircraft anti

collision light system can use one or more rotating beacons and/or strobe lights, be colored

either red or white, and have different (higher than minimum) intensities when compared to other aircraft. Many
aircraft have both a rotating beacon and a strobe light system.

c.

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; i.e., either after takeoff clearance has been
received or when beginning takeoff roll. Pilots are further encouraged to turn on their landing lights when
operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, especially when operating within 10 miles of any airport, or in
conditions of reduced visibility and in areas where flocks of birds may be expected, 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. Aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations for
operation of landing lights and electrical systems should be observed.

d.

Prop 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 FAA recommends that air carriers and commercial operators turn on their
rotating beacons anytime their aircraft engines are in operation. General aviation pilots using rotating beacon
equipped aircraft are also encouraged to participate in this program which is designed 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.

e.

Prior to 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.

f.

At the discretion of the pilot-in-command, all exterior lights should be illuminated when taxiing on or across

any runway. This 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.

g.

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 ATC 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.