When do I use aircraft lights for taxi, take-off and landing?

In aviation and real-world flying, use position lights whenever required, the red beacon before engine start until shutdown, taxi lights while moving, strobes when entering or crossing a runway, and landing or take-off lights for runway operations. The aircraft checklist, operator SOP and local rules always override these general conventions.

What is the correct aircraft light sequence?

The normal light sequence follows the aircraft from engine start to shutdown. Switch arrangements differ, so first identify the colours, locations and purposes of the exterior lights fitted to that aircraft.

1. Before engine start: Set position lights as required by the operating rules or checklist. Turn the red anti-collision beacon on immediately before starting an engine or moving a propeller, warning ground personnel that the aircraft is becoming live. Leave it on until every engine has stopped.
2. During taxi: Keep the beacon on and use the taxi light while moving when it improves visibility. Position lights remain on at night and may be required by company procedure during the day. Avoid shining bright taxi or runway-turnoff lights at marshallers, nearby cockpits or the aircraft ahead.
3. Entering or crossing a runway: Turn on strobes and the appropriate landing, take-off or recognition lights according to the checklist. These lights make the aircraft conspicuous, but they never replace a runway clearance or a proper visual check.
4. For take-off: Keep the beacon, strobes and take-off or landing lights on through the take-off roll. After departure, switch the high-intensity lights off at the altitude specified by the checklist or operator SOP; many operators use a transition around 10,000 feet, but that is not a universal rule. Observe any speed limit applying to retractable landing lights.
5. During approach and landing: Select landing lights at the checklist point, commonly before entering the terminal area or during the approach checks. Strobes and the beacon remain on. Landing lights illuminate part of the runway, but pilots must still use the normal sight picture and runway alignment and centreline cues.
6. After vacating: Once the whole aircraft has crossed the runway holding-position markings, switch off strobes and landing or take-off lights, then select the taxi light as needed. The beacon remains on until engine shutdown.

Should strobes be used while taxiing?

Strobes are usually left off on aprons and taxiways because their flashes can dazzle ground staff and other pilots, especially at night. They normally go on when entering or crossing a runway and remain on until the aircraft has vacated after landing.

Some light aircraft have a combined anti-collision system or no separate red beacon. In that case, follow the aircraft flight manual or checklist rather than forcing an airline-style sequence onto switches the aircraft does not have.

Are landing lights required during the day?

Daytime landing-light use depends on the jurisdiction, type of operation and operator SOP, but using them for take-off, landing and terminal-area flying is a common conspicuity practice. Their purpose during daylight is mainly to help other traffic see the aircraft.

Do not treat 10,000 feet as a universal legal switching point. It is a widely used procedural point, while the actual requirement may be tied to the operation, aircraft equipment or local regulations. Position-light and anti-collision-light rules also vary, although many operators keep them on throughout the flight.

What changes in fog or around other aircraft?

High-intensity strobes and landing lights can reflect from fog, cloud, rain or snow and make forward visibility worse. Anti-collision lights may also distract or temporarily blind people close to the aircraft.

Use the lower-intensity light that still provides safe visibility, and switch off or delay strobes when the applicable rules and checklist permit it. Once entering a runway, balance glare against the need to make the aircraft conspicuous; the pilot in command remains responsible for the safe configuration.

How should I use these lights in a flight simulator?

Use the same sequence in a flight simulator if practising realistic procedures, but follow the simulated aircraft’s checklist because add-ons model lighting systems differently. A single “all lights” control can incorrectly activate strobes on the apron, so separate bindings for beacon, taxi, strobe and landing lights give more realistic control.

If a simulated light does not illuminate, check the electrical power source, bus switches, gear position and cockpit switch rather than assuming a graphics fault. Nose-gear taxi lights and retractable landing lights may be unavailable when the gear is retracted, while simpler aircraft may combine several functions under one switch.