Light Gun Signals
When communications with the tower is lost, the pilot's only recourse for communication with a tower is via light gun signals from the tower.
Light gun signals are interpreted differently, depending on whether you're on the surface taxiing, or whether you're in the air and attempting a landing.
| Color and type of signal | Meaning on the surface | Meaning in flight |
|---|---|---|
| Steady green | Cleared for takeoff | Cleared to land |
| Flashing green | Cleared to taxi | Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at proper time) |
| Steady red | Stop | Give way to other aircraft and continue circling |
| Flashing red | Taxi clear of runway in use | Airport unsafe - do not land |
| Flashing white | Return to starting point on airport | Not applicable |
| Alternating red and green | Exercise extreme caution | Exercise extreme caution |