Did You Know
Aircraft Lighting Regulations
All aircraft must have an approved anti-collision light and position light system for nighttime operations. The position lights consist of an Aviation Red on the left side, an Aviation Green on the right and an Aviation White tail light (REF. FAR 23.1389).
The anti-collision lighting system is required under FAR PART 91.205(c}. There are different requirements affecting different aircraft. These aircraft are categorized by the date of application for type certificate. Home-built aircraft are determined by the Date of Issuance of the Experimental Operating Limitations. The different categories are as follows:
AIRCRAFT FOR WHICH TYPE CERTIFICATE WAS APPLIED FOR BETWEEN APRIL 1, 1957 - AUGUST 10, 1971:
These anti-collision systems must produce a minimum of 100 effective candela in Aviation Red or White (REF. FAR 23.1397), 360° around the aircraft's vertical axis, and 30° above and below the horizontal plane (REF. FAR 23.1401).
AIRCRAFT FOR WHICH TYPE CERTIFICATE WAS APPLIED FOR BETWEEN AUGUST 11, 1971 - JULY 18, 1977:
These anti-collision systems must produce a minimum of 400 effective candela In Aviation Red or White (REF. FAR 23.1397), 360° around the aircraft's vertical axis, and 30° above and below the horizontal plane (REF. FAR 23.1401).
AIRCRAFT FOR WHICH TYPE CERTIFICATE WAS APPLIED FOR AFTER JULY 18, 1977:
These anti-collision systems must produce a minimum of 400 effective candela in Aviation Red or White (REF. FAR 23.1397), 360° around the aircraft's vertical axis, and 75° above and below the horizontal plane (REF. FAR 23.1401).
NOTE: The position lights must be wired independently of anti-collision lights.
An approved anti-collision strobe light system must project light 360° around the aircraft's vertical axis. One or more strobe lights can be used.
An approved anti-collision strobe light system must project light + or - 30° above and below the horizontal plane of the aircraft. One or more strobe lights can be used. The + or - 75° projected light has been required since July 18, 1977.
