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VFR REGULATIONS 15 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK

Aircraft lights

The light clock starts at sunset.

Checking your account…

Your learning goals

  • Apply position lights: sunset to sunrise.
  • Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
  • Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.

Position lights: sunset to sunrise

Operate with lighted position lights from sunset to sunrise. That clock differs from logging night and night passenger currency. Alaska has the specific visibility/sun-angle alternative in §91.209. Airport parking or movement near night operations also requires appropriate illumination, position lights, or an obstruction-light-marked area.

14 CFR §91.209 · 14 CFR §91.205

Anticollision lights: an operating rule

If the aircraft is equipped with an anticollision light system, operate it lighted unless the PIC determines that turning it off is in the interest of safety because of operating conditions. Reflections in cloud or blinding nearby people can warrant a safety decision; it is not a general convenience exception.

14 CFR §91.209 · 14 CFR §91.205

Broken is not the same as intentionally off

An authorized safety-based decision to switch an operable system off does not authorize dispatch with a failed system. Check equipment requirements, any continuation-to-repair provisions, and the inoperative-equipment process.

14 CFR §91.209 · 14 CFR §91.205

FLIGHT SCENARIO

What would change your plan?

It is ten minutes after sunset, before evening civil twilight ends. Must your position lights be on?

  1. NoticeWhat does this situation require?
  2. VerifyWhat evidence is still missing?
  3. DecideWhat keeps an option open?
Compare your reasoning

Yes. Position lights use sunset-to-sunrise, even though the ordinary logbook night period has not begun.

SUMMARY

The light clock starts at sunset.

Yes. Position lights use sunset-to-sunrise, even though the ordinary logbook night period has not begun.

Before moving on, explain the decision in your own words: what would you verify, and what would make you change the plan?

PRACTICE

Flashcards and knowledge check

Six flashcards, then five questions with explanations.

Enable JavaScript for flashcards and the knowledge check. The lesson and scenario remain available without it.

Sources & lesson notes

Sources & lesson notes

  1. 14 CFR §91.209Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  2. 14 CFR §91.205Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.

For U.S. private-pilot airplane study. Rules verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026, with linked FAA guidance. Scenarios isolate a rule; actual flight decisions require all applicable rules, aircraft limitations, and current information.