What Are the Main Types of External Aircraft Lighting Systems?

Many who have ridden within an aircraft are familiar with the various types of interior lighting typically featured within interiors and cabins, those of which play important roles in enhancing safety, comfort, and functionality for passengers and crew members alike. Despite this, fewer may be aware of the diverse array of lighting systems integrated into the exterior of a typical commercial aircraft, each having a critical function in facilitating safe operations in the air and on the ground. In this blog, we will examine the main types of external lighting systems that are present on aircraft, providing a basic overview of their distinct design features, operational roles, and regulatory importance.

Anti-Collision Lights

We will begin our discussion with anti-collision lights, which are among the most critical fixtures featured on the body of an aircraft. These systems are specifically designed to make an aircraft more visible to other vessels in the airspace surrounding it, as well as for the benefit of vehicles and personnel on the ground. Using distinctive light colors and placements that remain visible even in poor weather conditions, anti-collision lights effectively reduce the risk of mid-air or ground collisions.

• Red Lights: Coming in the form of rotating or flashing beacon lights, red lights are typically mounted on the top and bottom of the fuselage to provide context of vehicle orientation and a warning that the aircraft is in operation.
• White Lights: White strobe lights are often mounted on the wingtips of aircraft and sometimes the tail section, leveraging high-intensity flashes during takeoff, cruise, and landing phases to ensure maximum visibility and context of orientation.

Position Lights

Also referred to as navigation lights, position lights are installed in various locations to indicate the aircraft’s orientation to others in a clear and consistent manner. These lights are color-coded and are always illuminated during nighttime operations or low-visibility conditions. The following are the standard positions and colors of each fixture:

• One red light is installed on the left wingtip.
• One green light is mounted on the right wingtip.
• One white light is affixed to the aircraft’s tail.

Together, these position lights help pilots, ground personnel, and air traffic controllers determine the direction an aircraft is facing or moving, which is crucial for maintaining separation in busy airspace and on runways and taxiways.

Landing Lights

Next in our discussion are landing lights, which are powerful, forward-facing lights that illuminate the runway and surrounding area around an aircraft during its final approach and landing phases. These lights are generally mounted on the wings, fuselage, or landing gear struts, where they can provide a high-intensity white beam for pilots to use.

In addition to aiding pilots in maintaining runway alignment and providing increased terrain awareness, landing lights also enhance the aircraft’s visibility to other pilots and air traffic controllers. The use of landing lights is often regulated and even encouraged during low-altitude operations to reduce the chance of collision, sometimes even being used in daylight when beneficial.

Alternating Landing Light Systems

Some aircraft are equipped with alternating landing light systems, which are a safety enhancement designed to make the vessel more visible during approach and takeoff phases. These systems alternate between multiple landing lights in a rhythmic pattern, drawing attention to the aircraft’s movement. The pulsing or alternating effect they provide is particularly useful in reducing mid-air collision risks, especially in uncontrolled or busy airspace where pilots must rely heavily on visual cues.

Runway Turnoff and Taxi Lights

Runway turnoff lights and taxi lights serve as essential navigation tools during ground operations, coming in the form of lower-intensity fixtures that are mounted on the aircraft’s nose gear strut, wings, or lower fuselage.

• Taxi lights are used to provide illumination directly in front of the aircraft, helping pilots follow taxiways and markings in low-light conditions.
• Runway turnoff lights are angled to the sides and are used when executing turns off a runway or during tight taxiway maneuvers, offering better peripheral visibility.

These lights are used to prevent runway incursions, enhance situational awareness in complex airport layouts, and promote safety for both pilots and ground crews.

Logo Lights

While not a feature on all commercial aircraft, some airlines may place logo lights along the upper trailing edge of the aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer or fuselage in a position that illuminates the vertical stabilizer to make branding more visible. While their primary function is for branding purposes at gates and terminals, logo lights also help improve the visibility of the aircraft from behind, especially in congested apron areas.

Wing Inspection Lights: Monitoring Critical Surfaces

As the final form of external aircraft lighting fixture we will discuss, wing inspection lights are important for flight and ground crews to inspect wing surfaces for ice accumulation or damage between flights. Additionally, they can also provide visibility of control surfaces and leading-edge devices in low-light conditions. Generally speaking, these lights are installed near the aircraft’s fuselage and aimed at the leading edges of the wings, where a white beam of light provides increased visibility.

Where You Can Source Trusted Aircraft Lighting Components

Each of the lighting systems discussed in this blog plays a unique and indispensable role in the safe and efficient operation of aircraft, making it necessary that such fixtures are kept in good condition and replaced as necessary. For maintenance teams, operators, and procurement professionals, having timely access to high-quality lighting components is vital to prevent lengthy downtime or costly repairs when unexpected issues arise. That is why ASAP Semiconductor is proud to offer customers access to a comprehensive range of aviation lighting solutions through ASAP AM Spares.

Whether you are in need of routine replacement parts or require critical items as soon as possible, ASAP AM Spares simplifies the complexity of procurement and ensures satisfaction with each order by treating customers to hands-on service through each stage of fulfillment. Beyond connecting customers with an extensive inventory of quality-assured aircraft parts, we also support operations with competitive pricing and timely fulfillment. See how ASAP AM Spares serves as a one-stop shop for many when you take the first step of purchasing with us today!