have you ever wondered why a plane needs headlights while flying so high?

Question

why does a plane flying at 35,000ft need headlights, is there some reason for this. it cant be to see where their going or can it.

Answer 1

It may look like they are using headlights, but this is a bit of an optical illusion. When you look up and see a plane above you at night it will appear that it has a red, green, and a few white lights shining. These are not actually headlights, these lights are for positioning and anti-collision and are used in-flight. If you are near an airport or airport approach plate, then you will see the plane using their landing lights. These are super-bright lights positioned under the wing, embedded in the wing, and/or on the landing gear. These are only used on an approach and takeoff to help the pilot see the runway. Once a plane takes off, the lights are turned off and sucked up into the belly of the plane with the landing gear/ under the wing. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Ever try to land a plane in the dark? Headlights on a plane are there for the same reason you have headlights on a car. They are used to traffic from the hanger area, to the strip as well as for guidance down the runway. Once in the air they are not typically left on, because there are other lights used for identification purposes located on the tail and wings. Landing is the same situation, they are necessary to light the landing strip.

Answer 4

They are called LANDING lights. Some A/C will turn them on in other than a landing configuration for higher visibility (for other A/C). Like in a high density area

Answer 5

No, I've never wondered that, probably because I have an IQ that's high enough to realize the lights on a plane are landing lights, not head lights.

Answer 6

Because at any given time over the U.S., there are thousands of other planes up there, so lights on planes make it easier for pilots to see other aircraft. Not to mention the various cloud formations that indicate changes in weather patterns. And considering that pilots fly primarily by sight, they really DO need to see where they are going, especially at night.

Answer 7

So that planes coming from opposite direction at same level can avoid a crash.

Answer 8

High-powered light beams help when you're trying to fly through clouds and fog when it starts getting dark

Answer 9

It will let other pilots get a visual fix on their position and help them avoid each other. It is for safety, if no other reason.

Answer 10

Because those damn aliens can't drive......... seriously some people have no sense of humor! Ha!