Originally Posted by
highfarfast
I had to use the light gun twice.. Years ago when I was working on my commercial cert. Cleared to "taxi into position and hold" as we used to say it. Read back clearance and taxied into position and then radio silence. After a couple minutes we noticed the light gun signals from the tower. Simple stuck mic but we didn't know until we saw the lights. Second time was after a complete electrical failure on corporate flight while taxiing out at Dallas Love about 15 years or so ago. I just turned the airplane to face the tower and waited for the signal.
Had to use it quite a bit actually. Many times as a primary (deliberate) way of staying off the radio and a few because of comm or electrical malfunctions. Doesn’t matter at all until you need it, then suddenly it’s a critical skill/ability.