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what is the proper use of strobe light in the air and on the ground

Asked by: 4033 views FAA Regulations

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4 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Dec 28, 2012

    The US rule is simple:

    ==============================
    91.209(b) Operate an aircraft that is equipped with an anticollision light system, unless it has lighted anticollision lights. However, the anticollision lights need not be lighted when the pilot-in-command determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to turn the lights off.
    ==============================

    It means what is says: all the time the aircraft is operating unless the PIC determines it would be safer off.

    The two most common “safer off” scenarios are taxiing where the strobes being on will blind other pilots (especially those taking off or landing) and the inside of a cloud or fog/mist where having them on will distract or blind you.

    Situations for not using the strobes is pretty similar to those situations where you would not use your high beams in a car – blinding others and reducing your own ability to see.

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  2. jacob conell on Dec 28, 2012

    I fly out of a busy airport and usually I leave the strobes off until I am cleared to takeoff. Helps not blind the guys sitting next to you and behind you.

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  3. lo_fly on Dec 29, 2012

    from the AC on night ops the FAA suggest strobe and landing light ON only when cleared for take off.

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  4. JB on Dec 30, 2012

    Additionally, for night operations, it is not a bad idea to turn on your strobes when crossing an active runway and after receiving a clearance to “line up and wait” if tower reports traffic on final.

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