FAA Ground School Practice Test

During a night flight, what does a steady red light and a flashing red light ahead indicate about the other aircraft's movement?

1. The other aircraft is climbing.

2. The other aircraft is crossing to the left.

3. The other aircraft is descending.

4. The other aircraft is moving to the right.

The correct answer is: The other aircraft is crossing to the left.

In aviation, lights on an aircraft serve as critical indicators of its position and movement. A steady red light observed from another aircraft indicates that the other aircraft is facing you, while a flashing red light signifies that it is about to cross your flight path, specifically moving left across your direction of approach. When you see these light signals during a night flight, the combination of the steady red light and the flashing red light means that the other aircraft is signaling its intent to cross to the left. This alert helps pilots understand potential conflicts and allows for the necessary maneuvers to maintain safety in shared airspace. Understanding these signals is vital for night flying proficiency, ensuring that pilots can interpret the behavior of nearby aircraft accurately and respond appropriately to maintain safe distances and avoid collisions.