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A D-cell size flashlight with a bulb switching mechanism that can be used for white or red light is preferable. The white light is used while performing the preflight visual inspection on the ground, and the red light is used when performing fl ight deck operations. Since the red light is nonglaring, it does not impair night vision. Some pilots prefer two fl ashlights, one with a white light for preflight and the other a penlight with a red light. The latter can be suspended by a string around the neck to ensure the light is always readily available. Be aware that if a red light is used for reading an aeronautical chart, the red features of the chart will not show up. 

Aeronautical charts are essential for night cross-country fl ight and, if the intended course is near the edge of the chart, the adjacent chart should also be available. The lights of cities and towns can be seen at surprising distances at night, and if this adjacent chart is not available to identify those landmarks, confusion could result. Regardless of the equipment used, organization of the flight deck eases the burden on the pilot and enhances safety. [Figure 12-5] 

##  Airport and Navigation Lighting Aids 

The lighting systems used for airports, runways, obstructions, and other visual aids at night are other important aspects of night fl ying. 

Lighted airports located away from congested areas can be identified readily at night by the lights outlining the runways. Airports located near or within large cities are often diffi cult to identify in the maze of lights. It is important to know the exact location of an airport relative to the city, and also be able to identify these airports by the characteristics of their lighting pattern. 

Aeronautical lights are designed and installed in a variety of colors and configurations, each having its own purpose. Although some lights are used only during low ceiling and visibility conditions, this discussion includes only the lights that are fundamental to visual flight rules (VFR) night operation. 

It is recommended that prior to a night flight, and particularly a cross-country night flight, the pilot check the availability and status of lighting systems at the destination airport. This information can be found on aeronautical charts and in the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). The status of each facility can be determined by reviewing pertinent Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). 

A rotating beacon is used to indicate the location of most airports. The beacon rotates at a constant speed, thus 

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