Definition
A high-intensity flashing light installed on an aircraft to make it conspicuous to other traffic. Strobes produce a brief, very bright burst of white light at regular intervals and are typically mounted on the wingtips and tail.
Plain English
A bright, fast-flashing white light on the aircraft that helps other pilots see you, especially at night or in low visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight checks, before takeoff, in flight, and when operating near other aircraft or on an airport surface.
Derivation
From the Greek 'strobos,' meaning a whirling or twisting motion. The flashing of the light gives the impression of rapid, repeated movement, which is where the name comes from.
Why Pilots Care
These lights dramatically reduce the chance of mid-air collision by making the aircraft stand out against the sky or ground.
Intuition Check
A strobe is not just any aircraft light. In aviation, it means a bright flashing visibility light, not a steady landing or taxi light.
Example Sentence 1
Before taxiing onto the active runway, the pilot turned on the strobe lights.
Example Sentence 2
During the cross-country flight the wingtip strobes allowed traffic to spot the aircraft from several miles away.