What is the color and orientation of the position lights for navigation on civil airplanes?

The correct answer reflects the standardized color coding of position lights on civil airplanes, which is critical for navigation and safety. In aviation, the left side of the aircraft is indicated by red lights, while the right side is represented by green lights. The white lights at the rear (aft) serve a specific role in marking the tail of the airplane.

This system allows for effective identification of an aircraft's orientation and direction during both day and night operations. For example, when pilots see another aircraft in the dark, they can quickly discern its direction based on the color of the lights; red on the left (indicating the aircraft is facing towards their left) and green on the right.

Understanding the correct arrangement of these navigation lights is essential for pilot training and ensures that operators can safely navigate in the airspace by recognizing the relative positioning and movement of other aircraft.