Why do airplanes have blinking lights?

Answer 1

Right basicly our aeroplanes have "Blinking lights" because it can catch peoples attention more and if you just say we have for example just light that stay on all the time, they can be mistaken for house or street lights so its to identify aircraft

thanks

Chris Evans BA Pilot

Answer 2

Actually, there are two types of lights on an aircraft that blink:
- the strobe lights (red, on the fuselage), these are always on when the engines are running, so airport crew and other pilots can identify which planes are about to depart
- the anti-collision lights (white, high intensity, on the wings), these are always on when the plane is in the air (except some special cases), so others could see it and observ its position from a distance. As some have already said, a blinking light can be more easily observed and identified than a steady light source. It is one of many methods of increasing pilot awareness of other aircraft so that collisions can be avoided.

Answer 3

So that nearby aircraft can see the plane, AS well as for the airport tower can spot the plane in far distance. Because they don't want to mix with the airplane lights that does not blink to the lights from buildings and the runway.

Answer 4

Two reasons:

The human brain only responds to a change in neurotransmitter data. That's why when you stare at a fixed pattern you start to hallucinate. A blinking light attracts attention.

And planes on a converging course will not produce a relative change in position; there's no relative movement. A stationary light is the one representing the greatest danger so it's necessary to insure it's recognition

Answer 5

They are called Anti-Collision lights and they blink because blinking is more likely to catch attention than a steady light.

Human eyes are more alert to visual changes and would recognize the flashing more readily.

Answer 6

the blinking lights are called ani-collision lights. They are placed on the aircraft to get the attention of other pilots so aircraft can see and avoid each other.

Answer 7

They are called anti-collision lights. They blink to get the attention of other pilots better.

Answer 8

They blink to immediately attract attention, and also so that they're not taken for a star (or a slow shooting star!(-: )

Answer 9

i think they're also called "strobe lights", and yes are used for other planes and towers to spot planes, but i think they also blink so they aren't confused with surroundings (stars, buildings...)

Answer 10

why do boats have lights??? so other boaters can see them :)
also the lights are colored so you can tell which way they are going. red is left side, right side is green