#Light gun signals how to#

In a real VFR NORDO situation you will probably get priority handling like I did. I called the tower from the FBO later to thank them and apparently they had been been calling out traffic to me 5 miles out with no response so they immediately cleared 2 KC135’s and a P-3 from the pattern as soon as they suspected a problem. I tried calling to see if it was for me but the smell of smoke and no answer from tower answered my question.

I just happened to notice the steady green light (it’s freakin’ bright!) before I even knew anything was wrong. If you’re expecting a steady green on downwind and get the steady red I would just maintain pattern altitude and fly the pattern without descending for an approach.Īs far as “the real world” goes, I’ve only used light signals once when the intercom wires fried in a Seneca entering the downwind to BGR. Just remember, it’s still your responsibility to “see and avoid” even in the pattern, so adjust for spacing as needed. It’s best to stay on a predictable flight path (the pattern) so everyone’s on the same page. Thanks Phantomjet for this “street smart” answer! So pretty much, it’s expected by ATC that I remain in the pattern I would take it whether it be steady red or blinking green? I am still a little confused on that distinction between the two OHHHH Now that you put it that way… Yeah, I’d say I was way over thinking it! What would you normally do if on final the tower told you to “Go around” (red light)? Fly the pattern right? When would you expect landing clearance in the pattern, on downwind? If so look for a steady green at that point. The light gun signal just replaces the aural message you would normally receive over the radio. Of course I will acknowledge the signals by rocking my wings.Įvery place I have looked gave me the light gun chart.Īllen, you’re overthinking it.

I realize they will keep the airspace clear to the best they can but that I am sure is on the pretext my reactions are predictable. I could easily be a bigger conflict should I do the wrong thing since I would be “NORDO”.

#Light gun signals how to#

I would make the assumption if I see this, I better be looking for another airport to land at?Īll my training I received are only what to do, not how to do it. Steady Red - give way to other aircraft and continue circling? Where am I to circle? In the pattern, on the side of final approach? Over the airport?įlashing red - airport unsafe do not land. Does this mean left turn out on my final approach and do my pattern, downwind base and look for steady on final? Should I be doing a low approach over the runway? When should I see steady green? Steady green, easy enough cleared to land which I can do.įlashing Green Return for landing followed by a steady green. My questions are on my “reactions” and what should they be? Since theoretically I am “NORDO” I am expected to react to various signals. As most know, I had my first experience with light guns on the ground last Friday and now intend to do some light gun work ATC permitting this Friday.