A 330 Take off Light Usage at Night Landings
 

Hi Folks,

Although it is not a recommended procedure by AIB, I notice there is a tendency among the pilots for the usage of Take Off Light at Night landings. There could be Pros but at least there is one negative side that I am aware particularly when there is a little bit haze.

Kindly, can you share your experiences?

Regards

On the 320 I use it as a confirmation of landing clearance received, nothing more than that.

What's it got to do with a/c type?

The location of TO lights may vary...

I use them during day and night for landing. As long as the vis is good.

The location of TO lights may vary...

Is it not the case that landing lights & takeoff lights tend to shine in the direction of take off & landing? Therefore any glare-back will be reflected back to the cockpit windows. Equally, as both are shining in the direction of motion will that not enhance night visibility on a clear night. Perhaps I'm missing something??

You'd find our SOP's curious as well. In addition to the takeoff lights for landing, we use the landing lights for takeoff...

Does the A330 have separate Takeoff lights, or is he referring to the Runway Turnoff lights (side-facing taxi lights)??

We also use the landing gear for take off. It's all very strange!

Indeed. You guys have it backwards. We refer to it as takeoff gear before flight. We don't use the term landing gear until it's time to land.

Never heard of a take off light.Could someone translate it into Boeing?

Nose gear light

Boeings and Airbuses both have taxi lights and landing lights which you also use for take off but Airbus has taxi light which has take off position and is put to take off position for take off. It is on the nose gear and is angled specifically for take off which is not suitable for landing.

It is on the nose gear and is angled specifically for take off which is not suitable for landing.

Hot damn. When I'm approaching terra firma at high speed I like to see where it is and so judge the crash point. Hence lights. I'v never thought about needing a light to help me see where I'm going at lift off. Lots of umph, pull back and release the earthly bonds. Seems to work every time.

Rubbish, it works very well for landing.

Well I am informed! After 24K hours,mostly Boeing;I have flown with,and talked to many aviators of all types (and persuasions ) and have never heard this mentioned. Clearly a nose gear landing light is not good enough for an A330,so what is so different?

It's labelled TO on the overhead panel. It points in various directions depending on who last played with it, and it lights up.
It seems people are just over thinking it.

Works well lighting up dark taxyways too.

Oh and before you say it not with any other Aircraft facing me.

Just like high beams in my car

Jonty
Below is the FCOM procedure for the Taxi light during landing. Why do you think the manufacturer doesn't think it works for landing? And taxi and take off are two separate lights. Taxi light is focused in front and in take off position the take off light comes on and is focussed further down the runway. During approach and flare with pitch 3 degrees or more how does it help in landing care to explain? It is not people are over thinking but it is you who hasn't haven't given a thought.


WHEN FLAPS ARE AT 2

L/G DOWN ............................................................ ............................................................ ....ORDER
L/G lever....................................................... ............................................................ SELECT DOWN
AUTO BRK ............................................................ ............................................................ CONFIRM

‐ If the runway conditions have changed from the approach briefing, consider another braking mode.

GROUND SPOILERS ............................................................ ....................................................ARM
EXTERIOR LIGHTS...................................................... ............................................................ ...SET

Set NOSE sw to TAXI and RWY TURN OFF sw to ON.

Thanks for all sharing,
Final point what I extracted is: "Usage of it is Useless"