Study Guide
Introduction to Manned Aircraft Leting
Manned aircraft use a combination of lights to indicate their position and movement, helping other pilots and observers determine their trajectory and orientation.
In this lesson, we’ll explore the different types of lights found on aircraft and what they reveal about the aircraft’s direction of travel. F
rom steady red and green lights marking the wingtips to flashing red and white lights on the aircraft’s body and tail, each light serves a specific purpose in helping you navigate and understand the movements of aircraft around you.
Part 107 Exam:
During your Part 107 exam, you’ll be tasked with determining the direction an aircraft is flying based on the lights you observe.
For instance, if you see only a flashing white strobe light, you can conclude that the aircraft is moving away from you. Conversely, if both steady red and green lights are visible, it indicates that the aircraft is approaching you head-on.
By understanding and interpreting these lighting signals, you’ll be able to accurately assess the direction of aircraft and enhance your situational awareness in the sky.
Cockpit Perspective: Identifying the Left and Right Sides of an Aircraft
To begin, let’s clarify the orientation of an aircraft from the pilot’s perspective. Inside the cockpit, the left side of the aircraft is referred to as the port side, while the right side is known as the starboard side.
This distinction helps in understanding the placement and meaning of the aircraft’s navigation lights. In the visual aid below, you’ll see the cockpit view with the left side clearly marked as port and the right side as starboard.
This orientation is consistent across all aircraft, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can accurately interpret the aircraft’s lighting signals based on this standard layout.
Aircraft Lights 101: What the Different Lights Reveal About Flight Path
Aircraft use a combination of lights to indicate their orientation and position in the sky.
Here’s a breakdown of what each light signifies:
Steady Red Light: Located on the left wingtip, indicating the aircraft’s port (left) side.
Steady Green Light: Located on the right wingtip, indicating the aircraft’s starboard (right) side.
*Flashing Red Light*: The flashing red light is usually on the top/bottom of the aircrafts body.
*Flashing White Strobe*: Found on the aircraft’s tail, indicating the aircraft’s rear.
Scenario 1: Crossing to the Left | Seeing a Red Steady Light on the Wingtip
During a night flight you observe a steady red light and a flashing red light. What is the general direction of movement of the other aircraft?
If you see a steady red light (on the aircraft’s left wingtip) and a flashing red light (on the top or bottom of the aircraft), it indicates the aircraft is crossing to your left.
Scenario 2: Crossing to the Right | Seeing a Green Steady Light on the Wingtip
During a night flight, you see a steady green light and a flashing red light. How can you determine the direction of the aircraft’s movement?
If you observe a steady green light (on the aircraft’s right wingtip) and a flashing red light (on the top or bottom of the aircraft), and you’re seeing these lights from an angle where the right side and tail are visible, it indicates that the aircraft is crossing to your right.
Scenario 3: Seeing Red and Green Lights: Aircraft Approaching You
If you see both lights clearly from your viewpoint, the aircraft is heading your way.
When you see an aircraft from the front and notice only the steady red light on the left wingtip and the steady green light on the right wingtip, it indicates that the aircraft is flying directly towards you.
Scenario 4: Seeing Only the White Strobe Light: Aircraft Moving Away from You
If you observe only the white strobe light on the tail of an aircraft, it means the aircraft is moving away from you.
The white strobe light, typically found on the tail, is designed to make the aircraft visible from behind and indicate its rearward direction. If this is the only light you see, the aircraft is departing or traveling away from your position.
You observe a [blank] what is the general direction of movement of the other aircraft?
- [Steady white light and a flashing red light ahead] = The aircraft is flying away from you
- [Steady white light and a flashing green light ahead] = The aircraft is flying towards you.
Sample Questions
Practice Quiz
