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Required period for manned aircraft position lights

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 36 of 36 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K9 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONPosition lights are required to be lighted on a manned aircraft operated on the surface and in flight during which period?

  1. AOnly during periods of reduced visibility
  2. BFrom sunset to sunrise
  3. CAt all times, day and night
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. From sunset to sunrise

  • A — incorrect The requirement is tied to the hours between sunset and sunrise, not to visibility. In fact, in adverse meteorological conditions the pilot in command may decide to turn anti-collision lights off when their output would be a hazard to safety.
  • B — correct The Aeronautical Information Manual states that aircraft position lights are required to be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise.
  • C — incorrect Operation during all types of operations, day and night, is the requirement that applies to an anti-collision light system, not to position lights.

BACKGROUND

Aeronautical Information Manual paragraph 4-3-24 describes the use of aircraft lights. Position lights must be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise, while an aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system must operate that system during all types of operations, day and night. In adverse meteorological conditions the pilot in command may determine that the anti-collision lights should be turned off when their light output would constitute a hazard to safety. An anti-collision light system may use one or more rotating beacons or strobe lights, may be colored either red or white, and may vary in intensity between aircraft; many aircraft carry both a rotating beacon and strobes. Under the voluntary Operation Lights On program, pilots are also encouraged to use landing lights during takeoff and below 10,000 feet, day or night, especially within 10 miles of an airport, which makes manned traffic easier for a remote pilot to see and avoid.

STUDY TIP

Keep the two rules apart: position lights are a sunset to sunrise requirement, anti-collision lights run day and night. Knowing which lights a manned aircraft will be showing helps you spot and avoid it.

KEY POINTS

  • Position lights are required from sunset to sunrise, on the surface and in flight.
  • Anti-collision light systems operate during all types of operations, day and night, unless their output is a hazard in adverse weather.
  • An anti-collision system may use rotating beacons or strobes and may be red or white.

SOURCES

  • AIM 4-3-24 "Use of Aircraft Lights"
  • sources/aim/aim_4-3_airport_operations.txt
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.