What should you do when approaching an aircraft at night?

What should you do when approaching an aircraft at night?

• A. Continue toward the aircraft with headlights on
• B. Stop and call the tower
• C. Drive around the aircraft
• D. Pull over out of the way and wait with parking lights on

Answer: (D)

When approaching an aircraft at night, your first priority is to stay out of the aircraft’s movement area and keep glare to a minimum so pilots can see you and move safely. The best action is to pull over to the side, out of the way, and wait with parking lights on. Parking lights provide enough visibility for others to see you without producing the bright glare that headlights can cause, which can momentarily blind or impair a pilot’s night vision as they taxi close by. By stopping out of the taxi path, you’re not in the way of aircraft or ground support equipment, and you can wait for clear instructions from control or the aircraft crew before proceeding. This approach reduces risk to both you and the aircraft and helps ensure safe coordination on the ramp at night.

When approaching an aircraft at night, your first priority is to stay out of the aircraft’s movement area and keep glare to a minimum so pilots can see you and move safely. The best action is to pull over to the side, out of the way, and wait with parking lights on. Parking lights provide enough visibility for others to see you without producing the bright glare that headlights can cause, which can momentarily blind or impair a pilot’s night vision as they taxi close by. By stopping out of the taxi path, you’re not in the way of aircraft or ground support equipment, and you can wait for clear instructions from control or the aircraft crew before proceeding. This approach reduces risk to both you and the aircraft and helps ensure safe coordination on the ramp at night.