FAA Ground School Practice Test

If the control tower signals a pilot to give way to other aircraft and continue circling, what will the light signal be?

1. Flashing red

2. Steady green

3. Steady red

4. Flashing white

The correct answer is: Steady red

The correct answer is steady red. In the context of light signals used by control towers, a steady red light indicates to the pilot that they must give way to other aircraft and continue holding their position or maneuvering. The purpose of this signal is to ensure safety and manage traffic effectively, especially when multiple aircraft are present in the airspace. A steady red light specifically instructs the pilot to stop, which implies that they should yield to any conflicting traffic. While it may seem counterintuitive when considering the premise of "continuing to circle," the steady red primarily emphasizes the requirement to maintain awareness and prioritize the path of other aircraft in close proximity. Understanding air traffic control light signals is crucial for pilots, as they provide essential guidance in situations where verbal communication may not be possible or effective. Therefore, recognizing that a steady red light translates to yielding gives pilots the necessary knowledge to respond appropriately in real-time operational scenarios.