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United and Strobe Lights

  • Thread starter Thread starter Trogdor
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Jetblue FOM states strobes/landing lights on when cleared for takeoff. If departure runway is also an arrival runway, then strobes on when cleared into position. I don't want to get squashed by Dash 8s at JFK, since they're the most likely to be cleared for arriving on the departure runway.
 
I just think that it is common courtesy to leave the strobes off until you are rolling, but maybe its just me.

Unfortunately, common courtsey is irrevellant in the face of a FOM or FAR mandate. Besides, at night a set of strobes blinking on the end of the runway is a great way to not get squished.
 
What silly sh*t.

Actually it's not. Pilots have killed themselves and their passengers by colliding on runways at night. So no, not silly at all....
 
After the fact...

Ever noticed how some people think it's stupid to follow the FOM on "silly little things" as they pontificate and justify their actions. Then, amazingly, some accident investigation board eventually reminds those sh!t heads just how smart they really are. Every reputable airline in business has a procedure for people to recommend changes to the FOM. The smart people use the procedure to recommend changes they can justify. Anyone who desregards a silly little FOM policy on a regular basis, because of "this reason" or "that reason," remains a sh!t head in my book. ws
 
Actually it's not. Pilots have killed themselves and their passengers by colliding on runways at night. So no, not silly at all....

Alright dude, I'll play the semantics game with you. When I said "silly sh*t," I meant an entire thread devoted to the exact moment when you turn on your strobes is completely ricockulous. Turning on your strobes prior to takeoff is of course an integral part of saftey, especially in the airline world. And of course being a professional aviator, both in the military and the civilian world, I have complete respect for following the rules to a T.

What else can I clear up for you Huck? We can go round and round on the semantics of a post all day long my friend.
 
Ever noticed how some people think it's stupid to follow the FOM on "silly little things" as they pontificate and justify their actions. Then, amazingly, some accident investigation board eventually reminds those sh!t heads just how smart they really are. Every reputable airline in business has a procedure for people to recommend changes to the FOM. The smart people use the procedure to recommend changes they can justify. Anyone who desregards a silly little FOM policy on a regular basis, because of "this reason" or "that reason," remains a sh!t head in my book. ws

I certainly hope you're not aiming this retort at my post. If you are, you will see I never said following the rules of a particular airline's FOM is silly, I said devoting an entire post is the "silly" part (reference my response below). On the contrary, following the rules of the FOM is something I'm 100 percent behind. Am I still a sh*thead in your book? I certainly hope I have your praises now. LOL
 
I like the stupid people who stare at the strobes and then complain about them.

Here is a clue for the stupid people - IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE BLINDED BY THE STROBES, DON'T LOOK AT THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And PLEASE (!!), do not prove you stupidity by complaining about it on flightinfo.com.
 
You know, it is a LITTLE annoying, but when your sitting in position on 25R/24L at LAX and they are landing Aeromexico, Air China, or some other carrier that may have screwed up their landing runway, those strobes sure are cheap insurance.

SkyWest states strobes may be turned on when cleared for takeoff, which is somewhat surprising since we lost a metro at LAX because someone landed on them. I forget whether it was day or night, but regardless it's cheap insurance.
 
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At XJT it is taxi and inspection light on for pos/hold, and stobes and landing lights on when TO clearance is recieved. If the takeoff rwy is also in use for landing I usually throw the strobes on as well.
Who do you think can see your inspection lights? Think about it
 
runway incursions are a huge deal...faa's policy is to turn on the strobes when entering or even crossing a runway, active or not, no sense in taking chances
 
It is Continental's policy to turn em on, but a lot of guys still like the old way of doing it- when cleared for t/o.

Personally, I have never been blinded by strobes. They're bright, but that's about it. I like em on when on a rwy.
 
Who do you think can see your inspection lights? Think about it
They illuminate the wing so I would think that an aircraft on aproach to the runway will see them.
As much light as possible when taking position is a good idea although I usually hold off with the strobes until take off clearance is received.
 
They illuminate the wing so I would think that an aircraft on aproach to the runway will see them.
As much light as possible when taking position is a good idea although I usually hold off with the strobes until take off clearance is received.

Wing inspection lights are great for dusk/night operations, but during daylight it's pretty hard to see them enough to make a difference. At AA wing inspection/runway turnoff lights are at captain's discretion, and most guys just don't use them during day. At night they are required, and do make a difference.
 
Before the accident with the Legacy in Northern Brazil, Gol airlines didn't even use their strobes at all. Now they are on all of the time. It's amazing what airlines do to save a buck.
 
I have not taken the time to read this thread. So if this was already said then it was said twice. United's thing is inresponce to an inncident or accident (can't remember which) where it was thought that a few more lights might have made them more visable hence no one would have gotten killed. Strobes are one thing, landing lights are another. It's the same idea behind that check list... unfortunetly someone died and that is the best answer we got.
 
From AC 120-74A...

b. Exterior Lights. To the extent possible and consistent with aircraft equipage, operating
limitations, and flightcrew procedures, pilots should illuminate exterior lights as follows:

(1) Engines Running. Turn on the rotating beacon whenever an engine is running.

(2) Taxiing. Prior to commencing taxi, turn on navigation, position, anti-collision,
and logo lights, if available. To signal intent to other pilots, consider turning on the taxi light
when the aircraft is moving or intending to move on the ground, and turning it off when stopped,
yielding, or as a consideration to other pilots or ground personnel. Strobe lights should not be
illuminated during taxi if they will adversely affect the vision of other pilots or ground personnel.

(3) Crossing a Runway. All exterior lights should be illuminated when crossing a
runway.

CAUTION: Flightcrews should consider any adverse effects to safety that
illuminating the forward facing lights will have on the vision of other pilots
or ground personnel during runway crossings.

(4) Entering the departure runway for takeoff or “position and hold.” When
entering a runway either for takeoff, or when taxiing into “position and hold,” flightcrews
should make their aircraft more conspicuous to aircraft on final behind them and to ATC
by turning on lights (except for landing lights) that highlight the aircraft’s silhouette.
Strobe lights should not be illuminated if they will adversely affect the vision of other pilots.
(5) Takeoff. Turn on landing lights when takeoff clearance is received, or when
commencing takeoff roll at an airport without an operating control tower.

NOTE: The SOP of turning on landing lights when takeoff clearance is
received is a signal to other pilots, ATC, and ground personnel that the
aircraft is moving down the runway for takeoff.

for what it's worth. And before you ask...yes, I am bored.
 
They illuminate the wing so I would think that an aircraft on aproach to the runway will see them.
As much light as possible when taking position is a good idea although I usually hold off with the strobes until take off clearance is received.

You guys must have super eyesight, because I have never once seen the inspection lights of an aircraft on the runway. (when I am on final) I have however have had my retinas burned out by them when I am on the side next in line on the ground.

I can see the argument for crossing the runway, as you then can see the side of the aircraft
 

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