During my training days I used to spend a great deal of time in the tower observing the controllers and learning so much about what they have to put up with. I soon decided to switch my landing lights whenever on finals. I never forgot the difference it makes to others. Instructors who switch it off should be avoided at all cost.

As one of those very nice chaps who sit in the glass box, lording it over all that i survey, i have to say that turning your landing lights on for final approach would be a great help. Light a/c especially can be very hard to pick out against a backdrop of grey/white clouds, buildings (as you get lower) and can save us valuable time. It may also help the driver on the ground, who's lining up after you to spot you earlier.
Does that help?
Oh and don't forget to give us a wave now and then!! :)

Would any of the people who commented about the airfield in Herts like to tell the rest of us which one it is - or does everyone have to find out the hard (and possibly dangerous) way?

Hi Guys, and Gals..why use landing lights?

The life of the bulb [globe] will be shortened by turning it on and off, at short intervals [of course, if you NEVER use it, it will probably outlast you].

"See, and be seen", is probably the best explanation - and that applies to being seen by other pilots, AND our feathered, winged friends...the ones who can cause a LOT of damage, if they impact with an aeroplane.

In the Airline I'm currently with [the 5th in my ever decreasing lifespan], we leave the landing lights on 'til 10,000' [the previous one left them on until reaching cruise level..FL350 or 290, or whatever].

Most birdstrikes occur below 10,000', but in a high traffic density scenario, leave the buggers on, all the time...from start of taxi 'til engine shutdown. Saves you having to think too much about it......and MIGHT save your life just once.

Is your life worth the cost of a landing light??!!

Well done Kaptin M:

"Is your life worth the cost of a landing light??!!"

Exactly. It's amazing the people who are prepared to risk their lives (and the lives of their loved ones) simply so they can economise on some trivial cost.

I can't speak for the others but the Airfield in Herts I had a few problems with was very near Welwyn Garden City and rhymed with "Bansclanger".

A thread that seems to be emerging here is how instructors seem to show little respect for the hours in your log-book.

Do the guys sitting there looking bored think that they are God....yes some of them do and some think that if they tell you something you have to take it as gospel.

"Don't put flaps down in the turn, you will kill us all"

"Don't clean up the aircraft on the runway, after landing checks should be done stopped on the taxiway with a checklist"
(yeah...carb heat off, flaps up)

"As you start to turn onto base leg, carb heat, speed, flaps"

I now don't bother aurguing, I try to remember each instructors particular pecadillos(sp) and fly as HE/SHE wants me to.