Comment on Why do airplanes have big front "headlights"?
SolOrion@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
They’re supposed to keep their lights on under 10000ft. They’re less for the pilots, at least aside from takeoff/landing, and more for other planes.
Idk why that specific configuration was chosen- to pull double duty, I guess? They’re functionally landing lights, but also warning lights if they’re low/in crowded airspace.
I just googled the question, and looked around a bit so it’s possible this is wrong.
hendrik@palaver.p3x.de 2 weeks ago
It's probably correct. There has to be some fixed rule. And with airplanes, a lot depends on altitude. They're want to be seen. They want to see what's in front of them during critical phases like takeoff and landing. And probably not switch on and off arbitrary things like lights, just when they're most busy with other things.