Coming to a complete stop is advised if there is ground traffic nearby. Vehicles on the ground and airplanes in the air should stop right away when they observe this signal. The pilot should comply with the order and maintain a vigilant eye out for any nearby aircraft as well as the next signal from the air traffic controllers. When continuing to land would not be safe for some reason, ATC often sends this signal. Aircraft on the ground and in the air will interpret these signals differently depending on whether they are steady or flashing.Ī pilot in flight should give way to other aircraft and keep circling after spotting this signal. Red, green, and white are the three different colors of light. That what you know what to look for in the daytime when it can be a little more challenging. Its a good idea to call your local tower and ask them to see the light gun signals. The signal may be transmitted using a handheld directional lamp operated by an air traffic controller in the tower or on the apron, or it may be from a beacon fixed to the tower.

Light gun signals emit a bright light visible from great distances, allowing a controller to issue instructions or warnings to a pilot. They may also come into play if ATC radio equipment fails. The signals are an essential means of reaching aircraft that do not have radios installed or that are experiencing a radio failure. Air traffic controllers use light gun signals to communicate instructions to non-radio aircraft, ground vehicles, and people on the ground within the airfield perimeter.

Atc light signal