FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy
A sport pilot loses radio communication while approaching to land at a towered airport and observes the control tower flash a steady red light signal at the aircraft while it is in the traffic pattern. What does this signal mean?
- AAirport unsafe, do not land
- BReturn for landing at a later time
- CGive way to other aircraft and continue circling
- DCleared to land
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Airport unsafe, do not land
A steady red light signal directed at an aircraft in flight means the airport is unsafe and the pilot should not land. A flashing red light while in flight means the same thing but also directs the pilot to continue circling; a steady red is specifically 'airport unsafe, do not land.'
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Return for landing' is signaled by a flashing white light, not red.
- C. A flashing red light, not steady red, means give way and continue circling.
- D. A steady green light, not red, signals clearance to land.
ATC Light Gun Signals
Visual signals used by a control tower to communicate with aircraft that have lost radio communication.
- Steady green (in flight) = cleared to land
- Flashing red (in flight) = airport unsafe, continue circling
- Steady red (in flight) = airport unsafe, do not land
Memory trick: 'Red means dread — don't land when it's steady red.'