Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

During what time period must lighted position lights be displayed on an aircraft?

1. Dawn to dusk

2. Only during takeoff and landing

3. Sunset to sunrise

4. Any time the aircraft is operational

The correct answer is: Sunset to sunrise

Lighted position lights must be displayed on an aircraft from sunset to sunrise. This regulation ensures that an aircraft is visible to others during night operations, which is critical for safety in low-light conditions. Position lights help to indicate an aircraft's orientation and direction, thereby providing essential information to other pilots, ground personnel, and air traffic control. During the hours of darkness, the illumination of these lights plays a crucial role in avoiding collisions and enhancing situational awareness. While there may be other times when lights are useful, such as during poor visibility conditions during the day, the specific requirement to utilize position lights is mandated for the nighttime hours, starting prompt from sunset.