Pilots and aircraft owners understand that safety is paramount in aviation. A crucial aspect of this safety, particularly for single-engine and twin-piston aircraft, revolves around effective visibility. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets forth detailed regulations for aircraft lighting and anti-collision systems to ensure that aircraft can be seen and identified, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and ground incidents.1 Adhering to these regulations is not just a matter of compliance; it’s a fundamental commitment to flight safety.
FAA REGULATIONS FOR AIRCRAFT LIGHTING AND ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEMS
The FAA’s regulations for aircraft lighting and anti-collision systems on piston aircraft are primarily found in 14 CFR Part 91, “General Operating and Flight Rules,” specifically § 91.209.2 These regulations delineate the requirements for both navigation (position) lights and anti-collision lights, specifying when they must be used and their characteristics.3
NAVIGATION (POSITION) LIGHTS
Navigation lights, also known as position lights, are essential for indicating an aircraft’s position and direction, especially during periods of reduced visibility or darkness.4 These lights follow an internationally recognized color code:
- Red Light: Located on the left (port) wingtip.
- Green Light: Located on the right (starboard) wingtip.
- White Light: Located on the tail of the aircraft.5
The FAA mandates that these lighted position lights must be on during the period from sunset to sunrise.6 This requirement ensures that other aircraft can discern the orientation of your aircraft.7 For instance, if you see a red light on the left and a green light on the right, the aircraft is flying towards you. If you only see a red light, it’s likely moving from your right to your left.
These lights are typically continuous, steady illumination, designed for consistent visibility rather than flashing.8 Proper installation and functionality are critical, including considerations for intensity and any potential obstructions to their visibility by the airframe itself.
ANTI-COLLISION LIGHT SYSTEMS
Anti-collision lights are designed to make an aircraft highly visible, especially in busy airspace and on the ground when the engines are running.9 This system typically includes either or both:
- Rotating Beacons: These are often red, rotating or flashing lights, usually located on the top and/or bottom of the fuselage. Their primary purpose is to signal that an aircraft’s engine is operating, warning ground personnel and other pilots.
- Strobe Lights: High-intensity flashing white lights, commonly found on the wingtips and/or tail.10 Strobes provide exceptional visibility from a distance, particularly effective in open airspace.
According to 14 CFR § 91.209(b), any aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system must have these lights on whenever the aircraft is in operation. This applies from the moment the engine starts until it is shut down. However, there’s a crucial exception: the pilot-in-command has the discretion to turn off anti-collision lights if, in their judgment, operating conditions (such as taxiing in close proximity to other aircraft or in adverse weather like fog or clouds) make it safer to do so, to prevent spatial disorientation or dazzling other pilots.11
The regulations also specify the characteristics of anti-collision lights, including:
- Field of Coverage: The system must provide sufficient illumination to cover the vital areas around the aircraft, extending at least 75 degrees above and 75 degrees below the horizontal plane of the airplane, with some allowance for obstructed visibility.12
- Flashing Characteristics: The effective flash frequency must be between 40 and 100 cycles per minute. If multiple light sources create overlaps, flash frequencies in those overlapping areas can be higher, up to 180 cycles per minute.
- Color: Anti-collision lights must be either aviation red or aviation white.13
LANDING AND TAXI LIGHTS
While not always explicitly required for all operations under 14 CFR § 91.209 for private operations, landing and taxi lights are highly recommended and are indeed required for commercial operations at night. Landing lights illuminate the runway during takeoff and landing, while taxi lights help pilots navigate on the ground.14 Many pilots utilize these lights not only for illumination but also as an additional means of collision avoidance, making their aircraft more conspicuous during daylight hours as well.15
THE IMPORTANCE OF ADHERENCE AND MAINTENANCE
The rigorous FAA regulations are not arbitrary; they are the result of extensive research and countless hours of operational experience aimed at minimizing aviation risks. As an aviation mechanic business specializing in single-engine and twin-piston aircraft, The Aero Center understands that proper lighting and anti-collision systems are foundational to flight safety.
We believe in the principle of Consistency: consistent adherence to maintenance schedules and regulatory requirements leads to consistent safety and reliability. Pilots who regularly ensure their lighting systems are in top condition are demonstrating a commitment to safety that builds trust and confidence in their operations.
Furthermore, we often see the principle of Social Proof in action. When pilots and operators consistently maintain their aircraft to the highest standards, including lighting systems, it sets a positive example for the entire aviation community. This collective commitment to safety elevates the standards for everyone, making the skies safer for all.
Our expertise extends beyond simple bulb replacements. We conduct thorough inspections of wiring, lenses, intensity, and flash patterns to ensure full compliance with FAA Advisory Circulars like AC 20-30B, which details acceptable means of compliance for position and anti-collision light installations, and AC 43-217, which provides guidance for anti-collision light maintenance programs.16 Our airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics meticulously check for proper illumination, correct flashing sequences, and activation according to operational phases. We also inspect for dimming, discoloration, or any component aging that could compromise light intensity.17
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN THE WEST
The Aero Center is proud to serve the aviation communities across California, Arizona, and Nevada. We understand the unique demands of piston aircraft operations in this region, from bustling urban airports to remote desert airstrips. Our commitment to your safety and operational efficiency is unmatched.
What truly sets The Aero Center apart is our dedication to minimizing your aircraft’s downtime. We are the only 24/7 maintenance center in the area, ensuring that your lighting and anti-collision system issues, or any other maintenance needs, can be addressed promptly, day or night. This commitment to immediate service embodies the principle of Authority: our established expertise and round-the-clock availability signify our leadership and deep understanding of the critical nature of aircraft maintenance. When you choose The Aero Center, you’re choosing a partner that prioritizes your operational readiness and peace of mind.
Properly functioning lighting and anti-collision systems are not just a legal obligation; they are your aircraft’s voice and eyes in the sky and on the ground. Trust The Aero Center to keep you visible, compliant, and safe.
Footnotes:
- Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). 14 CFR § 91.209 – Aircraft lights. Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.209
- AOPA. (2023, June). Anticollision lights. Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/june/flight-training-magazine/what-am-i-anticollision-lights
- Federal Aviation Administration. (1981, July 20). AC 20-30B – Aircraft Position Light and Anticollision Light Installations.18 Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22569
- Federal Aviation Administration. (2018, December 12). AC 43-217 – Anticollision Light Maintenance Program.19 Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43-217.pdf
The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.