Obstruction lights near airports are used to warn pilots of which of the following?

• A. Severe weather near the airport
• B. Bird activity near the airport
• C. The visual cue for runway lighting sequences
• D. Obstacles near the airport

Answer: (D)

Obstruction lights are placed to warn pilots about objects in the airport vicinity that could pose a collision risk, such as towers, cranes, tall buildings, or antennas. They help a pilot see and avoid these obstacles, especially at night or in reduced visibility, by marking the location and height of those structures near the approach and departure paths. This is separate from weather warnings, which come from weather instruments and reports, or wildlife management, and also separate from runway lighting sequences, which guide takeoffs and landings along the runway. So obstruction lights specifically indicate obstacles near the airport.