Except in Alaska, during what time period should lighted position lights be displayed on an aircraft?

• A. Sunrise to Sunset
• B. Sunset to Sunrise
• C. Only during nighttime
• D. Only during takeoff and landing

Answer: (B)

Position lights are used to keep an aircraft visible to other pilots in dim or dark conditions. The standard rule is to have these lights displayed from sunset to sunrise, so you’re visible during the typical night period and the twilight hours. The Alaska exception changes the window due to the state’s extreme daylight patterns, so the exact timing can differ there, but outside Alaska the requirement is the sunset-to-sunrise window. The other options don’t fit because they either imply lights only during daylight, only during purely night hours, or only during takeoff and landing, none of which ensures visibility across the usual night and twilight periods.