At flying school many moons ago, it was "policy" NOT to use landing lights at any time during daylight hours. Student's heavy landings or grass ops tended to caused them to blow fairly regularly. It was a cost cutting measure as being complete "sealed beam" they aren't cheap.
Today though, landing lights are on for take-off and landing.
Usually switched off at 'BUMPF' checks, on again once power is pulled prior to turning base.
Alongside this though I've noticed more and more a/c have wingtip/tail strobes too. So it is very much a case of see and be seen.
Being so visible it makes me wonder if all training a/c shudn't be painted black too?!
