JO 7110.65 Air Traffic ControlJO 7110.65BB · Change 3 · Effective 7/9/2026
Chapter 3 · Section 2
Visual Signals
3 Paragraphs3-2-1–3-2-3
3-2-1 LIGHT SIGNALS
Use ATC light signals from TBL 3-2-1 to control aircraft and the movement of vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the movement area when radio communications cannot be employed.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-10, Altitude Restricted Low Approach. FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 4-3-1, Letters of Agreement.
3-2-2 WARNING SIGNAL
Direct a general warning signal, alternating red and green, to aircraft or vehicle operators, as appropriate, when:
NOTE
The warning signal is not a prohibitive signal and can be followed by any other light signal, as circumstances permit.
Aircraft are converging and a collision hazard exists.
Mechanical trouble exists of which the pilot might not be aware.
Other hazardous conditions are present which call for intensified pilot or operator alertness. These conditions may include obstructions, soft field, ice on the runway, etc.
3-2-3 RECEIVER‐ONLY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To obtain acknowledgment from an aircraft equipped with receiver only, request the aircraft to do the following:
Fixed‐wing aircraft:
Between sunrise and sunset:
Move ailerons or rudders while on the ground.
Rock wings while in flight.
Between sunset and sunrise: Flash navigation or landing lights.
Helicopters:
Between sunrise and sunset:
While hovering, either turn the helicopter toward the controlling facility and flash the landing light or rock the tip path plane.
While in flight, either flash the landing light or rock the tip path plane.
Between sunset and sunrise: Flash landing light or search light.
TBL 3-2-1 ATC Light Signals
| Meaning | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Color and type of signal | Aircraft on the ground | Aircraft in flight | Movement of vehicles,equipment and personnel |
| Steady green | Cleared for takeoff | Cleared to land | Cleared to cross; proceed; go |
| Flashing green | Cleared to taxi | Return for landing (to be followed by steady green at the proper time) | Not applicable |
| Steady red | Stop | Give way to other aircraft and continue circling | Stop |
| Flashing red | Taxi clear of landing area or runway in use | Airport unsafe- Do not land | Clear the taxiway/runway |
| Flashing white | Return to starting point on airport | Not applicable | Return to starting point on airport |
| Alternating red and green | General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution | General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution | General Warning Signal- Exercise Extreme Caution |