why do airplanes have headlights, and use them when flying?

Answer 1

So that the pilot does not crash into things that have been left on his flight path.

Answer 2

Airplanes have headlights (landing lights) to use when landing or in an airport environment. When approaching a runway at night, the landing light helps light up the runway and enables the pilot to taxi the plane on the ground. Using the light in an airport environment is called "operation lights on" and is recommended while flying in the area of an airport to help other planes see and avoid.

If the aircraft is operated for hire, one electric landing light is required. FAR/AIM 91.205 Equipment Requirements

Answer 3

These 'headlights' are actually called 'landing lights' and it helps the pilot by illuminating the ground and runway when landing. There are also some less powerful 'headlights', called 'taxi lights', used when taxiing around an airport at night.

in addition, landing lights have an anti-collision role; so other planes might spot it. Larger planes need to have the landing lights turned on when flying below 10000 ft, in bad weather or at night. Smaller planes might turn off the landing light when leaving the traffic pattern.

Answer 4

They only use the "headlight" on landing. It's called a "landing light" (funnily enough). It's mainly so that Air Traffic Control can visually acquire them. The pilot has no need for them himself, as the runway is illuminated by many lights. It's for other air users and ATC. They usually have a "Taxi Light", which is the "headlight" for moving around on the ground. If you picture it as a car, the full beam headlights are like the landing light and the dipped headlights are like the taxi light.

Answer 5

The lights that I believe you are referring to are known as the landing lights, this most resembles the headlight of a car. This light is used when the aircraft is landing to illuminate the runway so the pilot has a better view when landing. It also may be used while the aircraft is taxing at night, so the pilot can see obstacles to avoid. The placement of these lights can vary from each aircraft, they may be located under the nose of the aircraft and sometimes placed along the leading edge of the wings.

Answer 6

Airplanes don't have "headlights" as such; they are not arranged the way automobile headlights are. Airplanes have landing lighting fixtures, that are grew to become directly to make the airplane extra seen to different airplanes. Airliners are required to instruct their landing lighting fixtures on while flying under 10,000 ft, day or night.

Answer 7

Airplanes have landing lights which give the illusion of headlights on approach. these lights are switched off mostly during flight and turned on for landing. Also there are taxi lights which illuminate just the area in front of the airplane during taxi on ground.

Answer 8

Actually, they don't use them when flying. They are turned on as part of the pre-landing procedure, and turned off as the airplane gains altitude. You see them only because you see airplane about to land or just after take off.
Those lights are used to provide illumination of the runway, to see any potential obstacle.

Answer 9

Loads of answers. Just to add, an aircraft has landing light(s) and anti-collision lights/beacons. Landing lights are extremely powerful and only used when landing and taking off at night or in poor visibility. Anti-col lights are on all the time.

Answer 10

To show other aeroplanes where they are when approaching the airport, and to help illuminate the runway. They "headlights" are only ever used at take-off and landing.

Answer 11

The lights you see on aircraft when flying flash so that they cannot be confused with stars. Under, on top and at the ends of the wings so their direction of flight may be determined.
RoyS