At what altitude must landing lights be turned on?

Answer 1

Landing lights are "requested" on at or below 10,000 ft... however, in my daily experiences, I see many that turn them on above 10,000 and many that turn them on well below 10,000... its just a guideline and mostly just a reminder to turn them on well in advance...

As for me, I turn them on as close to 10,000 as possible just because its become part of a routine that I go through passing 10,000...
Altimiter- reset local
Radios- set for approach
Landing Lights- on

Answer 2

It is pretty much common knowledge to have them on below 10.

This is from AIM 403
"The FAA has a voluntary pilot safety program, Operation Lights On, to enhance the see-and-avoid concept. Pilots are encouraged to turn on their landing lights during takeoff; i.e., either after takeoff clearance has been received or when beginning takeoff roll. Pilots are further encouraged to turn on their landing lights when operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, especially when operating within 10 miles of any airport, or in conditions of reduced visibility and in areas where flocks of birds may be expected, i.e., coastal areas, lake areas, around refuse dumps, etc. "

Answer 3

We turn our landing lights on when descending through 10,000 MSL. We then turn them off after clearing the runway and leave only the taxi lights on for the taxi in. We do this during daylight or night operations so that vehicles will know that we are moving.

When departing, we turn the landing lights on when cleared for takeoff and turn them off after climbing through 10,000 MSL.

This is just the procedure for our company and others may be different.

Answer 4

The rule of thumb that I use is that they should always be on within 10 Miles of the airport. The idea being that it makes the plane more visible to others. I personally from experience would rather leave them off till I get to the Pattern or on approach because of the light scatter in front of the nose that makes it harder to see other planes.

Answer 5

Below 10,000 ft above ground level

Answer 6

We use 18,000 at my company but if you ask me they're pretty much useless unless you're very lucky and they hit another pilot's eyes at the right time and angle

Answer 7

AIRLINES USED TO TURN THEM ON AT 10,000 AGL BUT NOW THEY USE 18,000

Answer 8

never. they are optional.