FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A helicopter pilot taxiing at night observes the control tower flash a red light signal directed at the helicopter. What action should the pilot take?
- ATaxi clear of the runway in use
- BReturn to starting point on the airport
- CStop the aircraft immediately
- DContinue taxiing to the runway and hold short
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Return to starting point on the airport
A flashing red light signal directed at an aircraft on the ground means 'taxi clear of the runway in use'... however, a steady red light means 'stop.' A flashing red light on the ground actually signals the aircraft to return to its starting point on the airport, per the AIM light signal table.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Taxi clear of the runway corresponds to a flashing red light directed at an aircraft in the air, not on the ground.
- C. A steady red light, not a flashing one, commands the aircraft to stop.
- D. Continuing to a hold short line is not an appropriate response to any red light signal.
ATC Light Gun Signals
Visual signals from the control tower used to communicate with aircraft that have lost radio communication, with different meanings on the ground versus in flight.
- Steady green (ground): cleared for takeoff; (air): cleared to land
- Flashing green (ground): cleared to taxi; (air): return for landing
- Steady red (ground): stop; (air): give way, continue circling
- Flashing red (ground): taxi clear of runway... actually return to starting point; (air): airport unsafe, do not land
Memory trick: Flashing red on the ground means 'go back to where you began.'