Figure 10-2.  Position lights. It is recommended that prior to a night flight, and particularly  a cross-country night flight, that a check of the availability  and status of lighting systems at the destination airport is  made. This information can be found on aeronautical charts  and in the Chart Supplements. The status of each facility  can be determined by reviewing pertinent Notices to Airmen  (NOTAMs). Most airports have rotating beacons. The beacon rotates at  a constant speed, thus producing a series of light flashes at  regular intervals. These flashes may consist of a white flash  and one or two different colors that are used to identify  various types of landing areas. For example: Landing lights are not only useful for taxi, takeoffs, and  landings, but also provide a means by which airplanes can  be seen at night by other pilots. Pilots are encouraged to turn  on their landing lights when operating within 10 miles of an  airport and below 10,000 feet. Operation lights on applies  to both day and night or in conditions of reduced visibility.  This should also be done in areas where flocks of birds may  be expected. Beacons producing red flashes indicate obstructions or areas  considered hazardous to aerial navigation. Steady-burning  red lights are used to mark obstructions on or near airports  and sometimes to supplement flashing lights on en route  obstructions. High-intensity, flashing white lights are used  to mark some supporting structures of overhead transmission  lines that stretch across rivers, chasms, and gorges. These  high-intensity lights are also used to identify tall structures,  such as chimneys and towers. Although turning on aircraft lights supports the “see and be  seen” concept, do not become complacent about keeping a  sharp lookout for other aircraft. Most aircraft lights blend  in with the stars or the lights of the cities at night and go  unnoticed unless a conscious effort is made to distinguish  them from other lights. As a result of technological advancements, runway lighting  systems have become quite sophisticated to accommodate  takeoffs and landings in various weather conditions.  However, if flying is limited to VFR only, it is important to  be familiar with the basic lighting of runways and taxiways. The lighting systems used for airports, runways, obstructions,  and other visual aids at night are other important aspects of  night flying. Lighted airports located away from congested  areas are identified readily at night by the lights outlining the  runways. Airports located near or within large cities are often  difficult to identify as the airport lights tend to blend with the  city lights. It is important not to only know the exact location  of an airport relative to the city, but also to be able to identify  these airports by the characteristics of their lighting pattern. Aeronautical lights are designed and installed in a variety  of colors and configurations, each having its own purpose.  Although some lights are used only during low ceiling and  visibility conditions, this discussion includes only the lights that  are fundamental to visual flight rules (VFR) night operation. The basic runway lighting system consists of two straight  parallel lines of runway edge lights defining the lateral limits of  the runway. These lights are aviation white, although aviation  yellow may be substituted for a distance of 2,000 feet from  the far end of the runway to indicate a caution zone. At some  airports, the intensity of the runway edge lights can be activated  and adjusted by radio control. The control system consists  of a 3-step control responsive to 7, 5, and/or 3 microphone  clicks. This 3-step control turns on lighting facilities capable  of either 3-step, 2-step, or 1-step operation. The 3-step and  2-step lighting facilities can be altered in intensity, while the  1-step cannot. All lighting is illuminated for a period of 15  minutes from the most recent time of activation and may not  be extinguished prior to end of the 15-minute period. Suggested  10-5 Airport and Navigation Lighting Aids • Lighted civilian land airports—alternating white and  green lights • Lighted civilian water airports—alternating white and  yellow lights • Lighted military airports—alternating white and green  lights, but are differentiated from civil airports by dual  peaked (two quick) white flashes, then green