The Aeronautical Information Manual provides guidance to turn on landing lights when operating below 10,000 feet, day or night, and within 10 miles of any airport. Which is the correct interpretation of this guidance?

• A. Turn on landing lights only when above 10,000 feet
• B. Turn on landing lights below 10,000 feet, day or night, and within 10 miles of any airport
• C. Turn on landing lights only at night in populated areas
• D. Turn on landing lights only when visibility is restricted to 3 miles or less

Answer: (B)

Turning on landing lights increases your visibility to other pilots, especially in busy areas near airports. The AIM guidance says you should have landing lights on whenever you’re operating below 10,000 feet, regardless of whether it’s day or night, and you’re within 10 miles of any airport. This means the obligation applies during all times of day and for the full proximity zone around airports, where traffic density is higher and conspicuity is more important. The goal is to make you more noticeable during arrivals, departures, and pattern work, helping prevent collisions. Other formulations—such as lights only above 10,000 feet, only at night, or only when visibility is restricted—don’t align with the stated guidance, which emphasizes the below-10,000-feet, within-10-miles-of-an-airport condition regardless of lighting or visibility.