PLT542: ATC Light Signals
What code PLT542 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study ATC Light Signals before your checkride.
Recall airport operations - radio failure
What this means for your checkride
If radio communication fails, ATC can direct aircraft using a light gun. On the ground and in flight, a steady green means cleared for takeoff or cleared to land, and a flashing red means taxi clear of the runway in use or, in flight, the airport is unsafe, do not land. Pilots must know each light signal by memory.
During radio failure the light signals are the only ATC direction available, so pilots must recognize each one and its meaning.
The meaning of a signal depends on whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight; the same color can direct different actions.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.