How will Nellis Tower attempt to get your attention if radio communications fail?

How will Nellis Tower attempt to get your attention if radio communications fail?

• A. By issuing a loud siren from the control tower
• B. By sending a written instruction
• C. By lighting the approach lights continuously
• D. By flashing the runway/taxiway edge lights

Answer: (D)

When radio communications fail, air traffic control switches to visual signals to grab the pilot’s attention and guide actions. Flashing the runway and taxiway edge lights is the clear, highly visible cue the tower uses to catch your eye and indicate that you should await further instructions or follow the tower’s ground movement directions. A siren isn’t directed at aircraft, written instructions aren’t timely in flight, and keeping lights on steadily wouldn’t stand out or convey a specific command. The flashing edge lights give a simple, unmistakable signal that the tower is attempting to communicate without radio.

When radio communications fail, air traffic control switches to visual signals to grab the pilot’s attention and guide actions. Flashing the runway and taxiway edge lights is the clear, highly visible cue the tower uses to catch your eye and indicate that you should await further instructions or follow the tower’s ground movement directions. A siren isn’t directed at aircraft, written instructions aren’t timely in flight, and keeping lights on steadily wouldn’t stand out or convey a specific command. The flashing edge lights give a simple, unmistakable signal that the tower is attempting to communicate without radio.