Definition
A continuous, non-flashing red light beam transmitted from the control tower's light gun to an aircraft. Its meaning depends on whether the aircraft is in flight or on the ground: in flight, it means give way to other aircraft and continue circling; on the ground, it means stop.
Plain English
A solid red light shone at you from the tower. If you're flying, it tells you to keep circling and let other aircraft go first. If you're on the ground, it tells you to stop where you are.
Context Anchor
Used in tower light gun signals, especially when normal radio communication is not working or cannot be used.
Why Pilots Care
It maintains safe separation between aircraft and prevents runway incursions when radios are unavailable.
Analogy
On the ground, steady red works much like a red traffic light: stop and wait. In the air, it is not a command to stop; it means keep flying, give way, and wait for a safe clearance.
Intuition Check
Do not read steady red as simply “danger” or “emergency.” “Steady” means the light is solid, not flashing; the required action depends on whether you are on the ground or in flight.
Example Sentence 1
After losing radio contact on downwind, the pilot saw a steady red from the tower and continued circling to let the landing traffic go first.
Example Sentence 2
In the traffic pattern the pilot acknowledged the steady red signal by continuing to circle and waiting for a green light.