FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot is approaching a towered airport at night and experiences a total radio failure. The tower flashes a steady green light to the aircraft. What does this signal mean?
- ACleared for takeoff.
- BCleared to land.
- CExercise extreme caution.
- DReturn for landing (to be followed by steady green at proper time).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Cleared to land.
According to FAA regulations, a steady green light signal from the control tower to an aircraft in flight means 'Cleared to land.'
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A steady green light signal on the ground means 'Cleared for takeoff.' In flight, it's for landing.
- C. A flashing red light in flight means 'Airport unsafe—do not land.'
- D. A flashing green light in flight means 'Return for landing.'
ATC Light Gun Signal (Steady Green - In Flight)
When a control tower uses a steady green light signal directed at an aircraft in flight, it means the pilot is 'Cleared to land.'
- Origin: ATC tower.
- Signal: Steady green light.
- Recipient: Aircraft in flight.
- Meaning: Cleared to land.
Memory trick: Green means Go, Red means Stop, Flashing means Caution or Return.