Navigation lights

[heinzknocke]

This may seem a daft question the nav lights on planes are either off flashing or on all the time but when and where do you have them flashing or on all the time ?

 

Help cause I don't know im sure somebody has the right answer.

 

Many Thanks

 

Heinz

[jcbak]

I don't know what the military regulations would be, however from a US FAA perspective:

 

The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

 

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.

 

Edited October 29, 2014 by jcbak

[QuiGon]

I always wanted to know that! ty for the info! The only thing missing is info on when to use flashing or steady nav/pos lights?

[heinzknocke]

Ok thanks for the info so from reading that I think it lights on the ground on all the time and flashing in flight is that correct

 

Heinz

[QuiGon]

On ground: collision on (unless disturbing ground crews or other pilots), pos/nav on

In the air: collision on (unless reflected by the clouds), pos/nav on between sunset and sunrise

 

That's how I understand it.

But what about steady or flashing pos/nav lights?

Edited October 30, 2014 by QuiGon
corrected collision lights. see #8 and #9

[heinzknocke]

I don't know still awaits an answer and I presume during combat no nav lights.

 

Heinz

[QuiGon]

Those are of course civilian rules for civil air traffic. I assume the military follows them when flying in public air space with lots of air traffic but certainly not during combat operations in hostile (or at least dangerous) air space since that just makes it easier for the enemy to spot them. Many military aircrafts have extra formation lights for that purpose which are hard to see from distance or from below or only with night vision. Those lights are implemented in the DCS A-10C btw.

[Slazi]

On ground: collision off, pos/nav on

 

From that text: Collision light should be active on ground UNLESS it is causing problems. AI follows that in DCS.

[QuiGon]

You're right, ty for correction :thumbup:

[Luzifer]

On ground: collision on (unless disturbing ground crews or other pilots), pos/nav on

In the air: collision on (unless reflected by the clouds), pos/nav on between sunset and sunrise

 

There is no real reason to turn off the nav lights during flight (outside of threat zones of course). These regulations are also just for the US. In Germany for example, nav lights are only mandatory for aircraft that are operated during the night. But if nav lights are equipped, then it is mandatory to use them at all times in flight, including during clear daylight.

 

 

That's how I understand it.

But what about steady or flashing pos/nav lights?

Navigation lights are steady lights. The flash setting is presumably to reduce bright lights during night operations on the ground. As far as regulations go, "flashing navigation lights" is probably equivalent to "no navigation lights".

[QuiGon]

Alright, thanks for clarifying that.