Aircraft Lighting Systems

30 Questions

What is the primary function of the master caution lights and annunciators?

To indicate various fault conditions in the aircraft systems

What is the purpose of the 'Push to Cancel', 'Push to Recall' function on the master caution and failure annunciators?

To reset the annunciators after a fault has been addressed

Which of the following cabin lighting systems is not mentioned in the text?

Emergency exit lights

What is the purpose of the 'Reading Reset' switch on the Attendant Panel?

To switch off all reading lights in the passenger compartment at once

What is the purpose of the 'Read Lights Test' switch on the maintenance and test panel?

To switch on all the reading lights for inspection

What is the purpose of the 16-second delay in the reading light supply when the lights are switched on?

To ensure the reading lights are only active for a limited duration

What is the purpose of the cargo and service compartment lights?

To illuminate cargo handling and service activities

Which type of lighting is typically used in the flight compartment?

Floodlights

How are the cargo and service compartment lights powered?

Both internal and external power sources

What provides general illumination for the cabin in the flight compartment?

Dome lights

Where is the control stand illuminated from in the flight compartment?

Floodlights

What is the purpose of the lightshield in the flight compartment?

To serve as background lighting for pilots

Which position is considered the normal in-flight position of the emergency lighting switch?

ARMED

What warning light is displayed if the emergency lighting switch is in the 'OFF' or 'ON' position during flight?

NOT ARMED

In what situation do the 6V lights remain off even if there is a loss of main electrical power?

OFF position

What triggers transistor Q1 to conduct and supply power to the emergency lights?

Logic 'zero' at inverting input

What does the presence of an illuminated arrow spaced every 40 inches indicate on the aisle?

Nearest Exit Direction

What is the source of power for the 6V emergency lights under normal conditions?

Main electrical system

What is the primary purpose of navigation lights on an aircraft?

To mark the position and extremities of the aircraft

Which of the following statements about the Boeing 737 navigation lights is correct?

The navigation lights are powered by 28V DC or 115V AC.

What is the primary purpose of landing and taxi lights on an aircraft?

To provide illumination for aircraft landing and taxiing in conditions of night or poor visibility

Which of the following statements about the Boeing 737 landing lights is correct?

The Boeing 737 has a total of 4 landing lights, with 2 fixed and 2 retractable.

What is the purpose of flare-out lights and runway turn-off lights on an aircraft?

To provide illumination for aircraft landing and taxiing in conditions of night or poor visibility

What is the purpose of wing illumination lights on an aircraft?

To illuminate the wings for ice inspection

What must happen for logic 'one' to be present at the non-inverting input?

Positive voltage on pin B

How is the transistor kept off when 28 Volt is present on pin A?

Logic 'one' at the inverting input

What action turns on the emergency lights and floor proximity emergency lighting?

Logic 'zero' at the inverting input

How can the emergency lights be switched off?

Putting 28 Volt on pin C

What is a possible hazard associated with self-illuminating signs?

Inhalation or absorption of gas from breakage of glass envelope

Why should self-illuminating signs be handled carefully?

To avoid gas inhalation from breakage

Study Notes

External Lighting

External lighting on an aircraft is essential for safe operation and falls into two main categories
Types of external lighting:
Navigation lights: mark the extremities of an aircraft and provide position reference
- Red light on left wingtip
- Green light on right wingtip
- White light on tail
Flashing lights: mark the position of an aircraft
Landing and taxiing lights: provide forward and lateral illumination
Lights for wing ice inspection
Emergency lighting for passenger evacuation

Also known as position lights
Voltage supply: 28V DC or 115V AC
Navigation lights on a B737:
Red on left wingtip
Green on right wingtip
White on tail

Landing and Taxiing Lights

Provide illumination for night landing and taxiing
Located on wing leading edge or landing gear
Voltage supply: 28V DC or 115V AC
Power: 600W for landing lights, 250W for taxi lights
Boeing 737 has a total of 4 landing lights:
2 fixed lights on wing leading edges near fuselage
2 retractable lights in outboard flap track fairing

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lights are powered by battery packs (6V)
Switching:
ARMED position: normal in-flight position, battery packs charged
ON position: 6V lights on, even if main electrical power available
OFF position: 6V lights off, battery packs charged
Warning light: "NOT ARMED" displayed if switch is in OFF or ON position during flight

Self-Illuminating Signs

Hazard: inhalation or absorption of gas released if sign is broken
Signs are mildly radioactive, handle with care

Master Caution Lights

Receive inputs from various fault annunciators
Two master caution lights and one of twelve sections of the master caution annunciators
Push-to-cancel, push-to-recall function

Passenger Compartment Lights

Ceiling and window lights provide illumination
Entry and threshold lights illuminate doorways
Other cabin lighting systems:
Lavatory lights
Reading lights
Passenger information signs
Attendant call system

Passenger Service Unit (PSU)

Contains:
Reading lights
Fasten seatbelt and no smoking signs
Attendant call button
Air conditioning fans
Life vest storage
Oxygen mask storage

Passenger Reading Lights

Each passenger has a reading light with a touch-control button
Reading lights can be switched off by a 'Reading Reset' switch on the attendant panel
'Read Lights Test' switch enables all reading lights to be switched on for inspection

Cargo and Service Lighting

Provides illumination for cargo handling and service activities
Dome lights and floodlights used in cargo compartments, wheel wells, and servicing compartments
Lights can operate from internal power or external power source
Light switches provided within the compartments

Flight Compartment Lights

Provide illumination for flight instruments, controls, and equipment
Dome lights provide general illumination
Lightshield provides background lighting for pilots
Integral lighting for each instrument and instrument panel
Control stand illuminated by overhead floodlight
Floodlights illuminate circuit breaker panels

Emergency Exit Signs and Floor Proximity Lights

Emergency exit signs and floor proximity lights provide guidance during emergency evacuation
Over-wing escape hatch lights and emergency lighting operation

Explore the importance of lighting in aircraft operations, including external lighting such as navigation lights, flashing lights, and landing lights. Learn about illumination for ice inspection and emergency evacuations. Test your knowledge on aircraft lighting systems!

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