Lights in Flight — SERA.3215 / Annex 2 §3.2.4
General (ICAO)
ICAO Annex 2 §3.2.4 requires aircraft in flight to display standardised position and anti-collision lights — purpose: detection of direction of motion and prevention of mid-air collisions.
Mandatory lights
| Light | Position | Colour | Coverage angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position light left wing | Left wingtip | Red | 110° (90° forward-quartering + 20° forward) |
| Position light right wing | Right wingtip | Green | 110° symmetrically |
| Position light tail / stern | Tail | White | 140° (70° each side) |
| Anti-collision light | Highest points (typically tail/belly) | Red flashing (beacon) and/or white flashing (strobe) | 360° around longitudinal axis |
| Landing light | Wing / nose | White (for take-off/landing) | Conical forward |
The position-light coverage adds to 360° — from any direction an observer sees at least one of the three (red, green, white).
Rule of thumb for traffic detection in flight
- Red on left, green on right: the other aircraft is flying toward you (head-on).
- Only green visible: the other aircraft is moving left to right across your field.
- Only red visible: moving right to left.
- Only white visible (tail): aircraft flying away from you.
When are lights needed?
- Night (between end of evening civil twilight and beginning of morning civil twilight): position lights + anti-collision lights must be on.
- Day: anti-collision lights recommended for conspicuity.
- Reduced visibility (cloud, precipitation): lights recommended.
SERA.3215(b) — exemption when dazzling
Important: if a flashing light impairs the pilot's or passengers' perception (e.g. reflection on dense cloud), it may be temporarily switched off provided no traffic hazard arises. Example: in dense cloud or icing the strobe can blind the pilot.
Europe (EASA / EU)
SERA.3215 Lights to be displayed by aircraft: all aircraft must display lights per type and operating conditions.
NCO.IDE.A.110 — minimum equipment lights (day/night VFR)
Operating lights are minimum equipment per Regulation (EU) 965/2012 Part-NCO.IDE.A.110:
- Day VFR: anti-collision lights required.
- Night VFR: position lights + anti-collision + landing light + cockpit lighting + portable flashlight backup.
- IFR: additionally instrument lighting.
Life and maintenance
- LED anti-collision lights in modern types: practically maintenance-free (>50 000 h).
- Classic incandescent strobes: typically replaced every 200–500 h.
- Pre-flight check: cycle all lights (position + anti-collision + landing) before engine start (avoid battery drain).
Germany (national)
SERA applies directly. §4 LuftBO and §19 LuftBO mandate lighting per SERA; no significant national deviations.
Practice note: at German VFR aerodromes the pilot must operate at night with a valid Night Rating (FCL.810) and a VFR night authorisation of the aerodrome.