In AUTO mode, when do the strobes operate?

In AUTO mode, when do the strobes operate?

• A. When the main gear struts are retracted
• B. When the main gear struts are extended
• C. When the wing lights are on
• D. Only when airborne

Answer: (A)

Strobes are the aircraft’s anti-collision lights, and in AUTO mode their operation is tied to the gear status. The system is designed to flash the strobes automatically once the main landing gear is retracted, i.e., when the airplane is airborne. This ensures visibility to other traffic during flight while avoiding unnecessary glare or confusion on the ground with the gear extended. Wing lights don’t drive the strobes, and simply saying they’re on only when airborne is too broad—the AUTO logic specifically uses the gear being retracted as the trigger. So, strobes operate when the main gear struts are retracted.

Strobes are the aircraft’s anti-collision lights, and in AUTO mode their operation is tied to the gear status. The system is designed to flash the strobes automatically once the main landing gear is retracted, i.e., when the airplane is airborne. This ensures visibility to other traffic during flight while avoiding unnecessary glare or confusion on the ground with the gear extended. Wing lights don’t drive the strobes, and simply saying they’re on only when airborne is too broad—the AUTO logic specifically uses the gear being retracted as the trigger. So, strobes operate when the main gear struts are retracted.