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AIM 

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. 

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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

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collision light system are required to operate 

that light system during all types of operations (day 
and night). However, during any adverse meteorolog-
ical conditions, the pilot

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in

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command may 

determine that the anti

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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

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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

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and

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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

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and

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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 manufactur-
er’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 conspicu-
ousness 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. 

Airport Operations 

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