ATC Light Signals

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Pilots utilize air traffic control for various types of information, such as weather and traffic alerts (workload permitting). The controlling of aircraft effectively enhances the operations at airports - especially during takeoffs and landings. If radio contact cannot be established between <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> and a particular aircraft, the added layer of safety is lost.

**If you find yourself in a situation where the aircraft's radio becomes inoperative or the aircraft you're flying is not equipped with radio, you must follow instructions received from <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> by use of light signals when operating at controlled airports.** All pilots are required to be familiar with <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> light signals.

**Note:** It is nearly impossible to predict every type of radio failure scenario, therefore, pilots are expected to exercise good judgement in whatever action they elect to take.

_<abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> Light Signals: Aircraft_

Color and Type of Signal | Aircraft on the Ground | Aircraft in Flight
------------- | ------------- | ------------- |
Steady green | Cleared for takeoff | Cleared to land
Flashing green | Cleared for taxi | Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at the proper time)
Steady red | STOP | Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
Flashing red | Taxi clear of the runway in use | Airport unsafe, do not land
Flashing white | Return to starting point on airport | Not applicable
Alternating red and green | Exercise extreme caution | Exercise extreme caution

Controlling of Aircraft

On airports/heliports where there is an active tower, all ground vehicles, equipment, and personnel must obtain prior approval from <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> for entry onto all movement areas. In the U.S., the term "movement area" means the runways, taxiways, and other areas of an airport/heliport which are utilized for taxiing, hover taxiing, air-taxiing, take-off and landing of aircraft, not including loading ramps and parking areas.

_<abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> Light Signals: Ground Vehicles, Equipment, and Personnel_

Color and Type of Signal | Movement of Vehicles, Equipment, and Personnel
------------- | -------------
Steady green | Cleared to cross, proceed or go
Flashing green | Not applicable
Steady red | STOP
Flashing red | Clear the taxiway/runway
Flashing white | Return to starting point on airport
Alternating red and green | Exercise extreme caution

Controlling Ground Vehicles, Equipment, and Personnel

When <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> uses the traffic control signal to control traffic, it emits an intense narrow beam of light (either red, white, or green). Although the traffic signal offers the advantage that some control may be exercised over nonradio-equipped aircraft, pilots should be aware of the disadvantages, such as:
- The pilot may not be looking at the control tower at the time a signal is directed toward the aircraft.
- The directions transmitted by a light signal are _very limited since only approval of a pilot's anticipated actions may be transmitted._ No supplement or explanatory information may be transmitted except by the use of the "General Warning Signal," which advises the pilots to be on the alert.
- Between sunset and sunrise, a pilot wishing to attract the attention of the control tower should turn on a landing light and taxi the aircraft into a position, clear of the active runway, so that light is visible to the tower. The landing light should remain on until appropriate signals are received from the tower.

Disadvantages of ATC Light Signals

FAA Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) 25th Edition, pg. ENR 1.1-8; GEN 1.7-10

AC 90-67B - Light Signals from the Control Tower for Ground Vehicles, Equipment, and Personnel

FAA-H-8083-25B: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pg. 14-25

Familiarize yourself with all <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> light signals before you need them. Some kneeboards have this information printed on it for easy reference.

Sometimes pilots may interpret a wrong frequency as a radio failure after accidently changing a frequency while manipulating another radio or navigation control. Be sure you have the correct radio frequency.

It is nearly impossible to predict every type radio failure scenario, therefore, pilots are expected to exercise good judgement in whatever action they elect to take.

Having <abbr title="Air Traffic Controller">ATC</abbr> guidance during takeoffs, landings, and en route does not negate the pilots responsibility for seeing and avoiding other aircraft.

If radio communication is lost, it may be a good decision to land at a non-towered airport with lower traffic volume, if practical. When operating at a non-towered airport, no radio communication is necessary.

ATC Light Signals

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