Q&A: What does it mean when a commercial liner’s landing lights alternate off and on during approach?

Question by Aaron C: What does it mean when a commercial liner's landing lights alternate off and on during approach?

I have seen several times when a jet's left and right landing light will alternate off and on. For example, the left will be on for a second, then it goes off and simultaneously the right will come on, and then it goes off...and so on.

Why is this? I usually see planes that just keep both on.

And I'm not talking about the strobe lights on the wing tips. I'm taking about the big white bright lights. The center line light always stays solid.

Does this have any significance?




Best answer:

Answer by JoelKatz
It's either to improve visibility or to allow other planes to identify that plane. Only some planes have it, and it's rarely used.

Add your own answer in the comments!