Landing lights...a further question

[SWAFO]

Check out FAR 121. There's some information in there about landing lights for us commercial carriers. I'm not up to date on the legal
landing light requirements. It's Southwest's policy to keep the landing lights off until passing FL180. If in level cruise below FL180, we
will turn them off at the TOC. I'm not sure what the exact law is (although it is mandated by FAR 121 to my knowledge), however I know
that my use of the landing lights is within the legal realm!

[bdlong]

General Aviation aren't required to use landing lights, however, it is recommended when close to the airport to help other airplanes in spotting you.

Pre-takeoff checklist
Lights - all lights on
Camera - check squawk code and change to Alt
Action - apply power.

I use it as part of landing checklist as well - usually turning them on when within 5 miles of the airport.

With the Cherokee it is a lot easier for me to remember, the landing light switch is next to the fuel pump, which is also required for all take-offs
and landings. When I was checked out in the Cherokee, the CFI explained to keep the fuel pump on until 1000AGL - when it goes off, the landing light
goes off.

Dean

[pagir]

This is the section 4-3-23 of the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual:

[...]
c. The FAA has a voluntary pilot safety program, Operation Lights On, to enhance the see-and-avoid concept.
Pilots are encouraged to
turn on their landing lights during takeoff; i.e., either after takeoff clearance has been received or when beginning
takeoff roll. Pilots are
further encouraged to turn on their landing lights when operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, especially when
operating within 10
miles of any airport, or in conditions of reduced visibility and in areas where flocks of birds may be expected, i.e.,
coastal areas, lake
areas, around refuse dumps, etc. Although turning on aircraft lights does enhance the see-and-avoid concept,
pilots should not become
complacent about keeping a sharp lookout for other aircraft. Not all aircraft are equipped with lights and some
pilots may not have their
lights turned on. Aircraft manufacturer's recommendations for operation of landing lights and electrical systems
should be observed.

http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap4/aim0403.html#4-3-23

In airlines, it's a standard operating practice to turn them off/on at at least 10 000.

This has two main goals: be seen by other pilots, and avoid birds strikes!

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Aerodr...pter10.htm

Hope it helps!

Pagir

[SWAFO]

I know that a few airlines (United, American, Delta, etc.) turn off the LL's at 10,000ft. Other's (Southwest, Jetblue, US Airways, etc.) turn
them off at FL180. It really varies from airline to airline in terms of policies.

[CowlFlapsOpen]

You guys are great. Thanks. This was the kind of inormation i was looking for. My basic question was whether cruise flight below 10K rrequired
landing lights. FsP insists on it but it is helpful to know that it is more complicated in real life. Thanks again.

[Maverik]

But.....there are aircrafts where landing lights are mounted at the strut of the retractable gear? Do they have to fly with extracted gear until
reaching FL 100 ? Not really.......or?

Ernst