I can see the point about being courteous and keeping the landing lights off IF you're facing somebody on the other side of the runway. At the same time, 90% of the time, it isn't a big deal.

I will agree that strobe lights go on when entering or crossing a runway, not at the start of the takeoff roll. Do you wait until you introduce fuel before you turn on the beacon too?:rolleyes:

At our airline, at least in the B738, the checklist specifically calls for strobe lights ON when cleared for takeoff. IIRC, in our MD-80 fleet, it calls for fuselage lights on when cleared onto the runway, day or night. But the 737 checklist has nothing similar; it is optional, and most guys turn them on at night only.

Every fleet, every carrier, has slight differences in how lights are manipulated in that critical phase... just prior to, and during, TO roll.

Courtesy is nice, but sometimes the checklist (and safety/visibility) takes some precedence.

I think the only time it's really a "Tool Move" is when you are stopped, nose to nose, for an extended time, waiting to turn, and you -don't- turn off your taxi lights.

Airplanes rolling onto the runway for takeoff have to turn them on, so if you are sitting there...behind them...

"Look Away!"

The strobe switch on the -88 stays on all the time. They just don't work on the ground. Douglas was way ahead of its time:)

This guy is a tool: Chris Manno - Gravatar Profile

Some folks never cease to amaze me. Everyday I need attention. Look at me now. Unbelievable.

Now that I think about it, we're all PhD candidates. Neurology candidate, astronaut candidate, TM candidate.........tool candidate :)

happy turkey day y'all.

I spoke to a friend at AA and yes, this guy is known as a tool.

I think that qualifies as a douche AND a tool. Good Lord. :eek:

I've been found....need to escape. jk