In SVFR lighting configurations, which lights must be ON?

In SVFR lighting configurations, which lights must be ON?

• A. Anti-collision: ON
• B. Position: ON
• C. Searchlight: ON (within 5NM of class C)
• D. Anti-collision: ON, Position: ON, and Searchlight ON within 5NM of class C

Answer: (D)

In SVFR operations, staying highly visible to ATC and other traffic is essential, especially near controlled airspace like Class C. Anti-collision lights are used to boost overall conspicuity; they should be ON to help other aircraft and ATC detect you. Position lights (the navigation lights) identify the aircraft’s orientation and are required during flight from sunset to sunrise, so they should be ON as part of standard SVFR lighting. The extra requirement is the searchlight, which is specifically noted as ON within 5 nautical miles of Class C. This provides an additional bright cue to help ATC and nearby traffic spot the aircraft’s location and movement when you’re in that proximity to Class C airspace, where precise tracking is most important for safe separation. Outside that 5 NM zone, the searchlight isn’t mandated. So, to meet SVFR lighting expectations, you have anti-collision lights ON, position lights ON, and you use the searchlight when you’re within 5 NM of Class C. This combination maximizes visibility exactly where it’s most needed.

In SVFR operations, staying highly visible to ATC and other traffic is essential, especially near controlled airspace like Class C. Anti-collision lights are used to boost overall conspicuity; they should be ON to help other aircraft and ATC detect you. Position lights (the navigation lights) identify the aircraft’s orientation and are required during flight from sunset to sunrise, so they should be ON as part of standard SVFR lighting.

The extra requirement is the searchlight, which is specifically noted as ON within 5 nautical miles of Class C. This provides an additional bright cue to help ATC and nearby traffic spot the aircraft’s location and movement when you’re in that proximity to Class C airspace, where precise tracking is most important for safe separation. Outside that 5 NM zone, the searchlight isn’t mandated.

So, to meet SVFR lighting expectations, you have anti-collision lights ON, position lights ON, and you use the searchlight when you’re within 5 NM of Class C. This combination maximizes visibility exactly where it’s most needed.