Air Traffic Control Lights Decoded: A Comprehensive Guide to Signals
In the world of aviation, clear communication is crucial, especially when radio contact is lost or unavailable. This is where light gun signals come into play, serving as a backup method for air traffic control (ATC) to communicate with aircraft that may not be able to receive radio transmissions.
Light Gun Signals in the Sky
The signals, which can be either steady or flashing, are emitted from light guns placed on the control tower and are used to convey different instructions depending on the aircraft's altitude.
- A steady green light directed to aircraft in flight means that the aircraft is cleared to land.
- A flashing green light, on the other hand, signals that the aircraft is cleared to taxi.
- A steady red light in the air means that the aircraft must give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
- An alternating red and green light in the air means 'exercise extreme caution'.
- A flashing red light in the air signifies that the airport is unsafe, and an approach to landing should not be made.
- A flashing white light sent to aircraft on the ground means that the airplane must return to its starting point at the airport.
Light Gun Signals on the Ground
For aircraft on the ground, the meanings of the signals are slightly different:
- A steady green light directed to the aircraft on the ground means that the aircraft is cleared to take off.
- A flashing green light on the ground means that the aircraft is cleared for takeoff.
- A steady red light directed at aircraft on the ground means 'stop'.
- An alternating red and green light on the ground means 'exercise extreme caution'.
- A flashing red light on the ground means that the airplane must vacate the runway in use.
Acknowledging Light Gun Signals
During the day, to acknowledge light gun signals, pilots are advised to rock the wings. At night, they should blink the landing or navigation lights.
Importance of Knowing Light Gun Signals
Knowing these light gun signals is important if you don't have a radio in your aircraft or if the tower or the aircraft has suffered a radio failure. The standard set includes signals from three colors of light: green, red, and white, with steady and flashing variations conveying different instructions.
This is the typical internationally recognized set of light gun signals used in aviation for communication when radio contact is lost or unavailable. It's essential for pilots to familiarize themselves with these signals to ensure safe and efficient operations in the skies.
[1] FAA - Light Gun Signals [2] ICAO - Visual Signals
In the event of radio failure within the aviation industry, light gun signals are a crucial backup means of communication between air traffic control and aircraft, both in flight and on the ground. Pilots must acknowledge light gun signals by rocking the wings during the day and blinking their landing or navigation lights at night. Extensive knowledge of these signals is indispensable for ensuring safe and efficient operations, even without the use of radio communication.
