What do solid navigation lights indicate?

Solid navigation lights are essential for ensuring safe visual identification of an aircraft, especially during night flights or in conditions of reduced visibility. They serve to indicate the direction of travel of the aircraft. Specifically, the arrangement and color of the lights provide critical information to other pilots and air traffic control regarding the orientation of the aircraft in three-dimensional space.

For instance, a combination of red and green lights on the wingtips shows whether the aircraft is approaching head-on or if you are viewing it from a side perspective. This helps pilots to determine whether they are seeing the left or right side of another aircraft and thus understand its flight direction. Furthermore, the presence of a white light on the tail aids in confirming the orientation and position of the aircraft.

Understanding navigation lights doesn't reveal details such as altitude, type, or status of the aircraft, which are conveyed through other means such as transponders or visual cues. Therefore, a solid understanding of navigation lights is crucial for pilots to ensure safe and effective situational awareness in flight operations.