FAR 23.2530 — External and Cockpit Lighting

FAR 23.2530 sets the design and installation standards for external and cockpit lighting on Part 23 airplanes. The goal is simple: lights must help the flightcrew do their job without distracting them, and they must help other pilots see your airplane in time to avoid a collision.

Key requirements:

• Cockpit lighting must be designed so it does not interfere with flightcrew duties (no glare, reflections, or distractions).
• Position and anti-collision lights (when required by Part 91) must have the right intensity, flash rate, color, and field of coverage to give other aircraft time to see and avoid.
• Position lights must include a red light on the left wing, a green light on the right wing, spaced as far apart as practical, and a white light facing aft.
• Taxi and landing lights must provide enough illumination for safe night operations.
• Seaplanes and amphibians must have riding lights showing a white light visible in clear conditions when moored or anchored.

Why it matters: these lighting standards are why your airplane's nav lights and beacon look and behave the way they do — they are a core piece of see-and-avoid safety.