FAA Ground School Practice Test

When are pilots encouraged to turn on their landing lights?

1. When operating above 10,000 feet

2. When operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, and within 10 miles of any airport

3. Only during landings

4. When flying in clear weather only

The correct answer is: When operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, and within 10 miles of any airport

Turning on landing lights is recommended for pilots when they are operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, and within 10 miles of any airport. This practice enhances visibility, making the aircraft more noticeable to other pilots and ground personnel, which is particularly crucial in the busy airspace surrounding airports. When landing lights are used in this context, they serve to increase safety during critical phases of flight such as approach and takeoff. The guideline is in place to help reduce the risk of mid-air collisions, as the lights can be more visible to other aircraft in the vicinity. While some might think that landing lights are only needed during actual landings, or only in specific weather conditions, the recommendation is broader to ensure maximum visibility at a critical time, regardless of whether the aircraft is in the process of landing or just operating near an airport. Hence, using landing lights below 10,000 feet and within 10 miles of an airport is a prudent safety measure.