Section 2. Visual Signals

  1. LIGHT SIGNALS

Use ATC light signals from TBL 3-2-1 to control aircraft and the movement of vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the movement area when radio communications cannot be employed.

REFERENCE-

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach.
FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 4-3-1, Letters of Agreement.

  1. WARNING SIGNAL

Direct a general warning signal, alternating red and green, to aircraft or vehicle operators, as appropriate, when:

NOTE-

The warning signal is not a prohibitive signal and can be followed by any other light signal, as circumstances permit.

  1. Aircraft are converging and a collision hazard exists.
  2. Mechanical trouble exists of which the pilot might not be aware.
  3. Other hazardous conditions are present which call for intensified pilot or operator alertness. These conditions may include obstructions, soft field, ice on the runway, etc.
  1. RECEIVER‐ONLY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

To obtain acknowledgment from an aircraft equipped with receiver only, request the aircraft to do the following:

  1. Fixed‐wing aircraft:
  1. Between sunrise and sunset:
  1. Move ailerons or rudders while on the ground.
  2. Rock wings while in flight.
  1. Between sunset and sunrise: Flash navigation or landing lights.
  1. Helicopters:
  1. Between sunrise and sunset:
  1. While hovering, either turn the helicopter toward the controlling facility and flash the landing light or rock the tip path plane.
  2. While in flight, either flash the landing light or rock the tip path plane.
  1. Between sunset and sunrise: Flash landing light or search light.

TBL 3-2-1

ATC Light Signals

Meaning

Color and type of signal

Aircraft on the ground

Aircraft in flight

Movement of vehicles,
equipment and personnel

Steady green

Cleared for takeoff

Cleared to land

Cleared to cross; proceed; go

Flashing green

Cleared to taxi

Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at the proper time)

Not applicable

Steady red

Stop

Give way to other aircraft and continue circling

Stop

Flashing red

Taxi clear of landing area or runway in use

Airport unsafe- Do not land

Clear the taxiway/runway

Flashing white

Return to starting point on airport

Not applicable

Return to starting point on airport

Alternating red and green

General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution

General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution

General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution