The Rules of the Air Regulations 2007

Flying machines at night

49.—(1) Subject to paragraph (6), a flying machine flying at night shall display lights in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3) or (4).

(2) In the case of—

(a)a flying machine registered in the United Kingdom which has a maximum total weight authorised of more than 5,700 kg; or

(b)any other flying machine registered in the United Kingdom which conforms to a type first issued with a type certificate on or after 1st April 1988,

the flying machine shall display the system of lights specified in paragraph 5(b).

(3) A flying machine registered in the United Kingdom which—

(a)conforms to a type first issued with a type certificate before 1st April 1988; and

(b)has a maximum total weight authorised of 5,700 kg or less,

shall display the system of lights specified in—

(i)paragraph (5)(a); or

(ii)paragraph (5)(b); or

(iii)paragraph (5)(d), but excluding sub-paragraph (ii) of that paragraph.

(4) In the case of any other flying machine, one of the systems of lights specified in paragraph (5) shall be displayed.

(5) The systems of lights referred to in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) are as follows—

(a)A steady green light of at least five candela showing to the starboard side through an angle of 110° from dead ahead in the horizontal plane, a steady red light of at least five candela showing to the port side through an angle of 110° from dead ahead in the horizontal plane; and a steady white light of at least three candela showing through angles of 70° from dead astern to each side in the horizontal plane;

(b)the lights specified in sub-paragraph (a) and an anti-collision light;

(c)the lights specified in sub-paragraph (a), but all being flashing lights (rather than steady lights) flashing together;

(d)the lights specified in sub-paragraph (a), but all being flashing lights (rather than steady lights) flashing together in alternation with one or both of the following—

(i)a flashing white light of at least twenty candela showing in all directions;

(ii)a flashing red light of at least twenty candela showing through angles of 70° from dead astern to each side in the horizontal plane.

(6) If the lamp showing either the red or the green light specified in paragraph (5)(a) is fitted more than 2 metres from the wing tip, another lamp may be fitted at the wing tip to indicate its position showing a steady light of the same colour through the same angle.