A D-cell size flashlight with a bulb switching mechanism that  can be used for white or red light is preferable. The white light  is used while performing the preflight visual inspection on  the ground, and the red light is used when performing fl ight  deck operations. Since the red light is nonglaring, it does not  impair night vision. Some pilots prefer two fl ashlights, one  with a white light for preflight and the other a penlight with  a red light. The latter can be suspended by a string around  the neck to ensure the light is always readily available. Be  aware that if a red light is used for reading an aeronautical  chart, the red features of the chart will not show up. Aeronautical charts are essential for night cross-country fl ight  and, if the intended course is near the edge of the chart, the  adjacent chart should also be available. The lights of cities  and towns can be seen at surprising distances at night, and if  this adjacent chart is not available to identify those landmarks,  confusion could result. Regardless of the equipment used,  organization of the flight deck eases the burden on the pilot  and enhances safety.  [Figure 12-5] The lighting systems used for airports, runways, obstructions,  and other visual aids at night are other important aspects of  night fl ying. Lighted airports located away from congested areas can be  identified readily at night by the lights outlining the runways.  Airports located near or within large cities are often diffi cult  to identify in the maze of lights. It is important to know the  exact location of an airport relative to the city, and also 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. It is recommended that prior to a night flight, and particularly  a cross-country night flight, the pilot check the availability  and status of lighting systems at the destination airport. This  information can be found on aeronautical charts and in the  Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). The status of each facility  can be determined by reviewing pertinent Notices to Airmen  (NOTAMs). A rotating beacon is used to indicate the location of most  airports. The beacon rotates at a constant speed, thus   Airport and Navigation Lighting Aids Figure 12-5. WSC aircraft equipped for night cross-country flight with flashlight and aeronautical charts on kneeboards. 12-4