For general operations, which statement best describes lighting requirements?

For general operations, which statement best describes lighting requirements?

• A. Anti-collision: ON; Position: not required
• B. Anti-collision: OFF; Position: as required
• C. Anti-collision: ON; Position: ON
• D. Anti-collision: ON; Position: required only at night

Answer: (A)

The key idea is conspicuity during flight. For general operations, you must keep the anti-collision lights on at all times in the air to make the helicopter more visible to other aircraft. Position lights are primarily there to indicate orientation, and in daytime general operations they’re not required. They become required from sunset to sunrise or when conditions require extra visibility. So the best choice reflects having anti-collision lights on and not requiring position lights for daytime general operations. Turning anti-collision lights off would reduce safety, and insisting on position lights during daytime or having both on at all times would not match the typical daytime rule.

The key idea is conspicuity during flight. For general operations, you must keep the anti-collision lights on at all times in the air to make the helicopter more visible to other aircraft. Position lights are primarily there to indicate orientation, and in daytime general operations they’re not required. They become required from sunset to sunrise or when conditions require extra visibility.

So the best choice reflects having anti-collision lights on and not requiring position lights for daytime general operations. Turning anti-collision lights off would reduce safety, and insisting on position lights during daytime or having both on at all times would not match the typical daytime rule.