What colors are typically used for navigation lights on an aircraft?

The typical colors used for navigation lights on an aircraft are green, red, and white. These colors serve distinct purposes in aviation safety and help communicate the orientation and direction of the aircraft to other pilots and observers.

The green light is placed on the right wingtip, while the red light is situated on the left wingtip. These colored lights allow other pilots to determine the relative position of an aircraft in the dark. For instance, seeing a red light indicates that the aircraft is approaching or moving left, while a green light suggests it is moving right. The white light, typically found on the tail of the aircraft, provides a visual reference from behind, enhancing safety by making it easier to see the aircraft's location from that perspective.

This established color convention is critical for preventing collisions in the airspace, especially at night or in poor visibility conditions. Understanding these navigation light colors is essential for pilots and aviation personnel to ensure effective communication and situational awareness while flying.