From CFR 14 Part 91.125
Steady red
On the Ground:
Stop
In the Air:
Give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
Flashing red
On the Ground:
Taxi clear of runway in use
In the Air:
Airport unsafe-do not land.
Exercise extreme caution.
A flashing white control tower light signal indicates that the aircraft should return to the starting point or the ramp. This signal is typically used when there is a need for the aircraft to taxi back to its original position, often due to a request from air traffic control or a safety concern. Pilots should always follow specific instructions from air traffic control when interpreting light signals.
How can you calculate height of airport traffic control tower?
The world's tallest control tower is located at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Standing at a height of 434 feet (132 meters), the tower provides air traffic control services for the airport and its surroundings.
Luton's control tower is 157ft tall (just under 48m).
The lights from a control tower serve as signals for pilots and ground crew. Generally, a steady green light indicates that it is safe to take off or land, while a steady red light means to stop or hold position. Flashing lights can signal various instructions, such as indicating caution or guiding aircraft during specific maneuvers. These signals help ensure safe operations at the airport.
If your aircraft is on the ground, a steady red light from the control tower light gun means STOP. If you are airborne, a steady red light means to give way to other aircraft, and continue circling.
ATC (Airport Traffic Control Tower)
A red light gun signal from the control tower indicates that an aircraft must stop immediately. This signal is typically used when the control tower needs to communicate urgent instructions to pilots, such as in situations involving safety concerns or emergencies. Pilots must ensure compliance with this signal to maintain safety on the ground.
Traffic control tower airport in question.
The flashing white light gun signal from the tower typically indicates that the aircraft is cleared to taxi. This signal is part of the visual communication system used in aviation to convey instructions to pilots, particularly in situations where radio communication may be compromised or not possible. Pilots should be attentive to these signals to ensure safe movement on the ground.
Around 142m