Originally Posted by
Eclan
My apologies, it was not my intention to suggest anyone's a clown for following an SOP. But some clown who invented aviation dreamt up that SOP and the pilots bear the brunt because wherever they go with their wing lights on people think they are clowns. In Australia everyone's obviously used to the clownishness but around the world they have somewhat of a rep for this sort of thing.
I asked about this a few years ago. I’m unable to find it, but was told by a tech pilot who was involved in the implementation review that the wing lights on taxi are a recommendation in some document (IATA? ICAO? I’m not familiar with these things…) and that’s where the policy came from.
TBH, I’d rather be blinded by the wing lights than not see the other aircraft at all. Perhaps someone in the know can comment on why some 737/320 enjoy waiting at B4 in SYD with literally nothing switched on. Makes it very hard crossing 07/25 and continuing North on B.