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Wing light usage survey

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View Poll Results: Your airline's policy on use of ice lights
My airline has a written policy: ON to enhance vis
16
69.57%
My airline has NO written policy. Most pilots put them ON
1
4.35%
My airline has a written policy which does not include ice lights
2
8.70%
My airline has NO written policy. Most pilots do NOT put them on.
4
17.39%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

Wing light usage survey

Old 07-01-2014, 10:18 AM
  #1  
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Default Wing light usage survey

I would appreciate info on the use of wing lights (ice detection lights) at your airline.

Is there a written policy to use or not use them to enhance visibility to other aircraft?

If so, what does the policy state?

If not, what is your airline's policy on use of exterior lights?

Please identify your airline.

Thank you.
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Old 07-01-2014, 02:27 PM
  #2  
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The question is...why wouldn't you turn them on for visibility.
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Old 07-01-2014, 04:38 PM
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I can understand someone turning them on in flight (if they want to), we don't and I don't. They're also useful for refueling at a remote location. However, I absolutely hate having to be shot in the eye with them during taxi, and since most airlines around here seem to mandate them being on 24/7, they're quite distracting at night during taxi.

Once had a hard time making a 180 into a parking spot because the Lion Air 737 decided they needed to be on while parked.
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Old 07-01-2014, 05:26 PM
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Default Wing light usage survey

Having them on when parked would most likely be for a MX check. I had a Sky West Mechanic refuse to turn off the strobes light on the aircraft he was working that was parked with is wing tip 20 feed away from me at ORD. He had them on for 10 min.
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Old 07-01-2014, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Voskhod View Post
Having them on when parked would most likely be for a MX check. I had a Sky West Mechanic refuse to turn off the strobes light on the aircraft he was working that was parked with is wing tip 20 feed away from me at ORD. He had them on for 10 min.
I'd almost buy that if it wasn't half the aircraft that were taxiing (not crossing a runway).
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Old 07-01-2014, 06:50 PM
  #6  
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Most CRJ operators require wing lights in conjunction with taxi lights on the ground. Dumb... but that's what they do.
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Old 07-03-2014, 04:25 PM
  #7  
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Default Wing light usage survey

The FAA has a pilot voluntary safety program called Operation Lights On. There was a link directly to the advisory but I believe it has since been removed as the information has been incorporated into the AIM and Instrument Handbook.
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Old 07-03-2014, 05:43 PM
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The Operation Lights On has been incorporated into the AIM. That is only concerning Landing Lgts. From a non airline guy, I don't appreciate folks using supplementary strobes or ice lights on the ground at night. (Other than for a quick or preflight check) In flight, light it up. I generally always use a landing light below 10K, though I only use Ice Lights to take a peek or when transitioning ice.

Last edited by Yoda2; 07-03-2014 at 05:54 PM.
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Old 07-03-2014, 06:43 PM
  #9  
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In the CASA I left the wing lights any time it was dark. It lit up the prop to help keep people from walking into it, and it really helps us be seen. These lights point more up though.
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Old 07-03-2014, 07:21 PM
  #10  
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Echoing ASpilot2be, I fly a Q400 and we have our ice lights on from start to shutdown while on the ground to illuminate the six bladed meat cleavers of death. Also our Q's don't have logo lights and are not well illuminated at night.
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