Private Pilot Private Exam

During a night flight, if you observe a steady red light and a flashing red light at the same altitude, which direction is the other aircraft generally moving?

1. The other aircraft is crossing to the right

2. The other aircraft is climbing

3. The other aircraft is crossing to the left

4. The other aircraft is descending

The correct answer is: The other aircraft is crossing to the left

The correct interpretation of a steady red light and a flashing red light at the same altitude in a night flight scenario indicates the relative movement of another aircraft. The steady red light is typically an indication of the port (left) side of the other aircraft, while the flashing red light can signify either a warning or an alerting behavior, commonly associated with aircraft in a specific flight pattern. When you observe this combination, it generally suggests that the other aircraft is crossing from your right to your left. This conclusion is drawn from the understanding of aircraft position lights: the steady red light indicates the left side of the other aircraft, and since the light is steady, it’s perceived as being directly observed from the front. If you had observed a steady green light along with a flashing red light, it would have indicated that the other aircraft was crossing from your left to your right. However, in this case, the presence of the steady red light implies that the other aircraft is crossing to your left. Understanding these light signals is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety during flight operations, especially at night when visual references can be limited.