FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

What action must be taken if an aircraft is not equipped with the required position lights?

1. Continue flying until reaching the next airport.

2. Terminate flight at sunset.

3. Fly as long as visibility is good.

4. Request to extend flight operations after sunset.

The correct answer is: Terminate flight at sunset.

If an aircraft is not equipped with the required position lights, terminating flight at sunset is necessary due to safety and regulatory compliance. Position lights are critical for ensuring that an aircraft is visible to others while operating at night or in low visibility conditions. Without these lights, the risk of collision increases significantly, as other aircraft and ground personnel would be unable to see the aircraft clearly. Regulatory guidelines typically require that aircraft operating after sunset adhere to specific visibility standards to prevent accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to terminate flight operations to maintain safety standards and ensure proper visibility for the aircraft in relation to others in the airspace. This action helps to protect both the flight crew and other air traffic from potential hazards associated with inadequate lighting.