The Airplane external's Lights and Their Functions (Red, Green, Strobe, Beacon)
As a pilot, your top priorities are safety and visibility, no matter the time of day. This is where aeroplane lights come in - they play a crucial role in ensuring that aircraft are visible to others and that you have a clear view of your surroundings, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions or any other dangerous incidents. Each light has a specific purpose, from position lights to landing lights. If you want to learn more about the fascinating world of aircraft lights, whether you're a seasoned pilot or an aviation enthusiast, this article will shed light on everything you need to know
Each color of light serves a purpose
When observing an aircraft, you'll likely notice three distinct colors of aircraft position lights: red, green, and white. Each color has a specific meaning, indicating a different aspect of the aircraft's position.
- Red Lights: Situated on the left wingtip, red lights indicate the aircraft's port side. When another pilot sees a red light, they can readily determine that the aircraft is either facing away or crossing their path from left to right.
- Green Lights: In the right wingtip, green lights signify the starboard side. If another pilot encounters a green light, they know that the aircraft is either moving in the same direction as they are or crossing their path from right to left.
- White Lights: Typically found at the rear, white aircraft navigation lighting indicates the aircraft is moving away from an observer. Often, they're integrated into the same system as the red and green lights but are placed either on the tail or along the trailing edges of the wings.
- Aircraft Beacon Light: Aircraft beacon lights are typically red and either flash or rotate to provide a pulsating warning light. They are typically installed in pairs, with one on the top of the fuselage and the other on the bottom. The beacon is usually turned on before the engine starts and turned off after the engines have been shut down.
- Strobe Light: Strobe lights are typically installed near the trailing edge of the wing tips and may also be found on the tail of the aircraft. These lights are high-intensity and flash at regular intervals in white color. They are usually turned on while entering an active runway for takeoff and turned off after leaving the runway upon landing.
- Logo Light: Logo lights are typically installed on the upper surface of the horizontal stabilizer and directed towards the Company markings on the tail of the airplane.
- Taxi Light: Taxi lights can be mounted on the nose landing gear strut, nose or wing roots to illuminate the taxiway during ground operations.
Aircraft have various external lights fitted for specific purposes, such as searchlights, formation lights, and wing inspection lights. At AR Sales, we understand the crucial importance of high-quality aircraft lighting when it comes to your safety and visibility in the skies. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of lighting solutions sourced from top-rated manufacturers that you can trust.
