Light Gun Signals Light gun signals are used by the Air Traffic control tower to communicate with aircraft that do not have operable communication radios. The light signals consist of Red, Green and white lights emitted by a narrow beam light that when projected from the control tower is visible to aircraft or vehicles on the ground. These light signals allow for limited amounts of communication between the control tower and the vehicle, however there is no additional information available for exchange. Some light signals have different meanings depending on whether the aircraft is in the air or on the ground. Examine the light signals below to see the meaning of each of the signals. The meaning is of each signal is written to the left.

Light Gun Signals Light gun signals are used by the Air Traffic Control Tower to communicate with vehicles and aircraft on the ground and in the air.

There a some drawbacks to light gun signals. They do offer limited communication between the tower and participating vehicles, however the operator of the vehicle or pilot of the aircraft, must be looking in the direction of the tower when the signal is presented. Additionally, the signal may be presented and understood, however no comments can be presented or additional requests transmitted as you could with a radio transmission. Initiating Contact with the Tower During the hours between sunset and sunrise, the pilot should position his aircraft toward the control tower and turn on the landing light. The landing light should remain on until the control tower acknowledges you with the appropriate light gun signal. Acknowledge the light gun signals at night by flashing the landing or navigation lights. During the day, acknowledge the signals by moving the ailerons and rudder. If you lose radio communication after you leave your parking area, monitor the tower for light gun signals.

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