Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What should be done when crossing a runway?

1. All exterior lights should remain off

2. Only the landing lights should be on

3. All exterior lights should be illuminated

4. Only the strobe lights should be on

The correct answer is: All exterior lights should be illuminated

When crossing a runway, it is crucial for pilots to ensure maximum visibility to enhance situational awareness for themselves and others in the vicinity. Illuminating all exterior lights significantly improves the aircraft's visibility to other pilots and air traffic controllers, thereby reducing the risk of miscommunication or accidents on the runway. Having all exterior lights on serves multiple purposes: it alerts ground personnel and other aircraft of your presence, especially in busy air traffic environments, and it also acts as a safety measure to indicate that the aircraft is entering a critical area, such as a runway. This heightened visibility is essential in maintaining safety protocols and ensuring that all parties involved in runway operations are aware of the aircraft's movements. In contrast, keeping all exterior lights off or only turning on specific lights does not provide the necessary visibility, which can create confusion and potential hazards during runway crossing.