Have you ever seen a plane flying at night and wondered why airplane lights are so many different colors?
Let us understand why aircraft have so many different colors of light and what their purpose is!!
Airplanes have Four Different Types of lights, and they each have their own purpose.
- Positioning Lights
- Beacon Lights
- Strobe Lights
- Landing Lights
Aircraft Positioning Lights
Aircraft lights are very helpful in navigating airplanes and also help other pilots and ATC to allow the airplane to position itself.
How? Imagine flying an airplane at night, with low visibility and at very high speed. For example, if aircraft have the same color of light on the same wings and all around the airplane, it will be very hard to determine without any instrumental help if the plane is flying toward us or in the opposite direction.
Now, imagine that you know for sure that the aircraft’s left wing (port side) will have a red light, and the aircraft’s right side (starboard side) will always have a green light on the wingtips. Won’t it be easier to calculate if you are facing the aircraft’s nose or tail? if it’s coming toward you or the opposite direction.
These lights on the Airplane wingtips are also known as aircraft positioning lights.
Also point to be noted, airplane tails also have their own lights just to help in the navigation which are in white color.
- Aircraft Left wingtip: RED light
- Aircraft Right wingtip: Green light
- Aircraft Tail: White Light
What are Beacon Lights? How Does it helps?
Beacon lights are the red flashing lights, located in pair on the airplane, one on the top of the airplane and other at the bottom of the airplane. It act as a warning sign for everyone around the plane to let them know plane is about to start.
The FAA authorities required pilots to turn beacon lights on before turning the engine on until it turned off. In addition to that beacon lights should be on during the taxi, take off and flight.
What are Strobe Lights?
Strobe lights are Very bright White lights which are usually located on Furthest point on the aircraft wingtips on both left and right side. It is used by the pilot the aircraft is entering the runway, or also it can be used as navigation lights to others pilots can know when flying in the air.
What are Landing Lights?
Landing light, as name implies, lights which helps the pilot to see the runway in the night or when visibility is less. Landing lights are usually located on Landing gear strut or in small airplanes, under the wings.