Definition
High-intensity, forward-facing lights mounted on the airplane (typically in the wing leading edge, nose, or landing gear) used to illuminate the runway and surrounding area during takeoff and landing, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions. They also improve the airplane's visibility to other traffic.
Plain English
Bright lights on the front of the airplane that light up the runway when taking off or landing, and help other pilots see you.
Context Anchor
Seen in night flying, before-takeoff checks, approach to landing, and discussions of night vision in the Airplane Flying Handbook.
Derivation
Landing comes from the Old English landian meaning to bring a vessel or aircraft to the ground; lights comes from Old English lēoht meaning illumination. The compound specifies lights dedicated to the critical ground-contact phases of flight.
Why Pilots Care
They provide the primary illumination needed to judge height, alignment, and obstacles on the runway surface during night operations, directly affecting safety.
Analogy
Like the headlights on a car that let you see the road ahead when driving in the dark.
Intuition Check
Do not assume landing lights are used only at the exact moment of landing. They are often used for takeoff, landing, and being seen by others, and their brightness can matter to night vision.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach at night, the pilot switched on the landing lights to illuminate the runway threshold.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight walk-around the pilot confirmed both landing lights illuminated and were aimed correctly for night operations.