FAA Ground School Practice Test

How can a lighted helicopter be identified?

1. By a flashing red light

2. By a green, yellow, and white rotating beacon

3. By a steady blue light

4. By a series of white strobe lights

The correct answer is: By a green, yellow, and white rotating beacon

A lighted helicopter can be identified by a green, yellow, and white rotating beacon. This specific configuration of lights is designed to make helicopters more visible, especially in low-light conditions, and allows them to be easily distinguished from other aircraft. The combination of colors and the rotating effect helps in recognizing the helicopter's presence from a distance, enhancing safety in both close encounters and during takeoff and landing operations. The flashing red light is not a standard for identifying helicopters and is often associated with other types of aircraft or emergency vehicles. A steady blue light is typically not used for helicopters either; it's more common in fixed-wing aircraft and certain types of vehicles. Series of white strobe lights can be present on various aircraft, but they do not specifically identify a helicopter, as other aircraft may also utilize similar lighting systems. Hence, the unique combination of the green, yellow, and white rotating beacon is the correct identification method for lighted helicopters.