FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
While taxiing for departure during daylight hours, a pilot notices the airport's rotating beacon is turned on. What does this indicate?
- AThe control tower is closed and the airport is operating as nontowered
- BWeather conditions at the airport are below basic VFR minimums
- CThe airport is closed to all traffic until the beacon is turned off
- DIFR traffic is inbound and VFR aircraft should remain clear of the pattern
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Weather conditions at the airport are below basic VFR minimums
At an airport located within Class D, C, B, or E surface airspace, operation of the rotating beacon during daylight hours signals that weather conditions in the airspace are below basic VFR minimums, meaning IFR clearance is required for arrivals and departures.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Beacon operation is unrelated to tower staffing hours.
- C. The beacon being on during the day does not indicate the airport is closed.
- D. The beacon does not communicate specific traffic advisories about IFR aircraft.
Airport Rotating Beacon (Daytime)
When operating during daylight hours at an airport within controlled airspace, a lighted rotating beacon indicates weather is below basic VFR minimums.
- Normally beacons operate from sunset to sunrise
- Daytime operation in controlled airspace signals IFR conditions
- Does not legally require pilots to obtain clearance, but is a strong indicator
Memory trick: 'Beacon by day means bad weather's here to stay'