Federal Aviation Regulations For Exterior Lighting
Exterior aircraft lights are essential aircraft components that are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The proper use of lighting allows pilots to see other airplanes and determine the direction that they are traveling.
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Source of Regulations
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Regulations concerning the use of civil aircraft lighting are detailed under Part 91, Section 209 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR 91.209), as well as in "Use of Aircraft Lights," Chapter 4, Section 3, paragraph 23 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM 4-3-24). Both of these are available on the FAA's website.
Anti-collision Lights
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Aircraft equipped with anti-collision lights must use them when the aircraft is operating regardless of the time of day. Anti-collision lights may either be an "aviation red" rotating beacon, often located on the top and bottom of the fuselage, or "aviation white" strobe lights located on the wing tips and on the tail.
Position Lights
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Aircraft must be equipped with operating "lighted position lights" when operating between sunset and sunrise. Airplane position lights use the same three-colored lighting system found on maritime vessels. These lights help other pilots determine the direction an aircraft is traveling. Position lights consist of three steady lights, green on the right wingtip, red on the left wingtip and white on the tail.
Parking or Moving at Night
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If an aircraft is parked or moved between sunset to sunrise, it must be clearly illuminated. It must also either be "in an area that is marked by obstruction lights" or have "lighted position lights." The FAA does not define "clearly illuminated," but a taxi or landing light combined with a rotating beacon (if installed) is a good rule of thumb.
Sunset and Sunrise
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The sun rises and sets at different times each day. The AIM defines sunset and sunrise as "when the upper edge of the disk of the sun is on the horizon." Official times assume a flat horizon, so in mountainous regions, the sun may be behind an obstruction prior to official sunset or after official sunrise.
Compliance
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Depending on the nature of the violation, individuals who fail to comply with FAA regulations are subject to fines of up to $50,000 and suspension of their certificates.
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