Globe Cargo

I was spotting at AZO today, and noticed a Mesaba Saab with its Beacon on for like 3 minutes before it even pushed back, or turned the engines (not the props )

I know that the Beacon signals you are going to be starting the engines, but how long before you begin turning the engines do you turn the light on?

Also, with the Nav lights, they stay on the entire time the A/C is powered right?

Maybe we should put a clause in the Employee manual about aircraft lights, IIRC there was some confusion about Landing lights and Logo lights also.

Kevin, not sure from a standpoint of times change things over the years, but when I was in the Air Force, the beacon light was required to be on anytime there was power to the aircraft at all, not just engine power but ground power or APU power. This was so people knew that control surfaces could move unexpectedly and other hazards as well (very nice when you are around a C-5 that is so big you don't have eye contact with everyone). At night this was especially usefull as it warned drivers of vehicles that they needed to shut off their headlights upon approach to an aircraft with its beacon on as well so MX or flight crew sitting up in the cockpit would not be blinded by headlights.

I think policies differ depending on which airline you are looking at. Seems like Justin and I had this conversation but it was a long time ago.

I do remember on civilian checklists for general aviation, I always activated the beacon just prior to engine start. It was a signal to anyone on the ramp that the aircraft was under power and could be moving at anytime.

Your aircraft you were watching could have very well been following policy, or may have developed an issue after activating the beacon. ie: the flight crew may have become busy and delayed their start up.

Beacons should be on any time the hydraulics are on. Could be something related to that you saw.

1691 wrote:Beacons should be on any time the hydraulics are on. Could be something related to that you saw.

Cool, thanks you guys.

But what about the 747? Should it be on when #4 is in AUX? Isn't that pump on when the engines are off to provide brakes and such?

Now what about the Nav lights? On all the time, or what?

Nav lights on when aircraft is receiving any power, ground or APU, and I think Allen already answered you on the beacon light. Go by your checklists, if you don't have any, check the company site, there are some there for download.

yoni63 wrote:Nav lights on when aircraft is receiving any power, ground or APU, and I think Allen already answered you on the beacon light. Go by your checklists, if you don't have any, check the company site, there are some there for download.

Cool, thanks Bryan.

Just want to give a heads up, I have the checklist, from Globe and PMDG and was looking over them.

The Globe checklist says (under taxi) I quote,

"Runway turnoff/taxi/beacon/wing lights...............ON"

All that before taxi, but after engine start?

Under the PMDG checklist, it says to turn it to "Both" before engine start.

Somethings not adding up

I am so confused

Beacon: Turned on during the cleared to start checklist. Usually the cleared to start checklist is in two parts. The first part "to the box" or "to the line", however that airline has the checklist organized, is done prior to pushback. The remainder is completed after the ground crew, or ATC if applicable, gives you clearance to actually start the engine(s). What you probably witnessed was the crew being ready to push before the ground crew was done loading bags. If not, could be a mx issue or crew got to the airplane late due to various reasons.

Nav Lights: Generally on any time electrical power is on the airplane. The intent is to make the wingtips more visible to someone who is about to run into them. It also helps to have them on when preflighting to determine all the nav lights work properly

Strobe Lights: On any time entering an active runway and for the remainder of the flight until the aircraft is clear of the runway after landing. Exceptions are if in the PIC discretion the operation would be safer with them off (flying thru clouds at night can be an example)

Landing Lights: Turned on upon receiving takeoff clearance and turned off during the climb checklist which commences at 3000 ft AFE. They are turned back on upon receiving landing clearance.

Taxi Lights: On during taxi (discretionary during day time) and left on, unless the aircraft comes to a stop, until 10000 ft MSL. Turned back on descending thru 10000 ft. On some occassions the taxi lights are turned on higher than 10000 ft but the reason doesn't apply to cargo operations. The approach check is done at 10000 ft or 10 minutes from touchdown to give the FA time to clean up the cabin. Taxi lights are turned on during the approach check.

Dome Light: On any time you need to read the paper in anything less than daylight.

Map Light: on when you need to read the checklist in less than daylight.

Emergency Lights: Hope you never have to use them, let's just leave it at that.

Head Lights: On during automotive operations in anything less than daylight and in most states required anytime of reduced visibility including rain.

Everything you wanted to know about lights...hope that helps.

nwadc10 wrote:Beacon: Turned on during the cleared to start checklist. Usually the cleared to start checklist is in two parts. The first part "to the box" or "to the line", however that airline has the checklist organized, is done prior to pushback. The remainder is completed after the ground crew, or ATC if applicable, gives you clearance to actually start the engine(s). What you probably witnessed was the crew being ready to push before the ground crew was done loading bags. If not, could be a mx issue or crew got to the airplane late due to various reasons.

Nav Lights: Generally on any time electrical power is on the airplane. The intent is to make the wingtips more visible to someone who is about to run into them. It also helps to have them on when preflighting to determine all the nav lights work properly

Strobe Lights: On any time entering an active runway and for the remainder of the flight until the aircraft is clear of the runway after landing. Exceptions are if in the PIC discretion the operation would be safer with them off (flying thru clouds at night can be an example)

Landing Lights: Turned on upon receiving takeoff clearance and turned off during the climb checklist which commences at 3000 ft AFE. They are turned back on upon receiving landing clearance.

Taxi Lights: On during taxi (discretionary during day time) and left on, unless the aircraft comes to a stop, until 10000 ft MSL. Turned back on descending thru 10000 ft. On some occassions the taxi lights are turned on higher than 10000 ft but the reason doesn't apply to cargo operations. The approach check is done at 10000 ft or 10 minutes from touchdown to give the FA time to clean up the cabin. Taxi lights are turned on during the approach check.

Dome Light: On any time you need to read the paper in anything less than daylight.

Map Light: on when you need to read the checklist in less than daylight.

Emergency Lights: Hope you never have to use them, let's just leave it at that.

Head Lights: On during automotive operations in anything less than daylight and in most states required anytime of reduced visibility including rain.

Everything you wanted to know about lights...hope that helps.

You forgot about lavatory lights...tsk tsk tsk.

What about Brake lights? Turn signals, Dash lights, and four way flashers? When do I use those, or when do they turn on?

Thanks for clearing that up guys.

khelm wrote:What about Brake lights? Turn signals, Dash lights, and four way flashers? When do I use those, or when do they turn on?

The brake lights should come on when you deploy the spoilers. The turn signals will come on when you turn left or right. You just need to hit the little lever on the left side of the yoke. (Of course, when they're not working as per MMEL, you can always roll down the window and use hand signals - ).

The four-way flashers are for when you're pulled over for breaking a speed restriction, or stopped and asking for directions -

Don't forget the back up lights with the Beep beep beep...

I said BUD LIGHT, not BUTT LIGHT!

what if you have a light load??? Or are traveling light??? when do you turn those on??