Definition
A category covering the onboard systems, instruments, and lights installed on an airplane to support safe operation, including required equipment for day and night flight, exterior position and anti-collision lights, interior cockpit lighting, and supplemental systems such as supplemental oxygen and electronic flight displays.
Plain English
All the gear and lights fitted to an airplane that help the pilot fly it safely, see and be seen, and meet the legal requirements for the type of flight being conducted.
Context Anchor
Seen in preflight preparation, night-flying training, and discussions of which airplane lights and installed items must be working before takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must verify these systems meet FAA requirements and function correctly to avoid violations and maintain safety during night or reduced-visibility operations.
Grounding Statement
Before a flight, the pilot should be able to point to the needed equipment and lights, know what each one is for, and confirm that each required item is usable.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this only means convenience items or cockpit brightness. In this FAA context, it includes the airplane equipment and lights that affect safety, visibility, and whether the flight may legally depart.
Example Sentence 1
The chapter on airplane equipment and lighting covers what must be working before a night flight is legal.
Example Sentence 2
During instrument training, the instructor emphasized proper use of airplane equipment and lighting to maintain situational awareness.