Why some aircraft have the strobe lights on even they are on their parking positions loading and unloading?

Question

Why some aircraft have the strobe lights on even they are on their parking positions loading and unloading?

Answer 1

If it's during boarding, it's most likely while one of the pilots is out doing the pre-flight to make sure all the lights are working before the flight.

If it's during unloading, it may be because an engine is running although most passenger aircraft shut down their engines and run on an auxiliary generator or external power while on the ground.

Answer 2

To be seen i suppose, aircraft's wings stick out far so you don't want to be running into one while on the tarmac

Answer 3

Like everyone else said, the beacon has to be on when the engines are running, and are normally turned on whenever battery power is on.  As for the actual strobes, which are normally on the wing tips or fuselage, they usually come on when the aircraft takes the runway for takeoff.  Other lights that you may see are nav lights, which are similar to the lights on boats.  The steady green, red, and white lights will always be on at night, and at other times when the crew sees fit or the company procedures say so.  Thats about it for lights.  There is a few more; taxi, landing, formation, and such.  All self explanitory.

Answer 4

i think that the jets have to have there strobe lights on for safety anything can happen to a huge jet packed with tons of fuel i have always seen planes like that ,even in games.

Answer 5

Aircraft are required to have the lights on when the engines are running.

Answer 6

There is a difference between a strobe and a beacon.

The red becon flashes anytime the a/c is in the process of starting engines, or running, or when the a/c is about to start.

The white strobes are not usually turned on until the a/c gets is cleared for takeoff. The white strobes are blinding to people on the ground and can be hazard. If they are on when the a/c is parked, then a pilot forgot to turn them off.

Answer 7

Usually you have the red beacon going if an engine is running.  That may be required if the aux power unit is not available.  If you see the white, wingtip strobes on while an aircraft is parked, it's probably the mechanics checking the systems on the airplane.  They check all the lights to make sure they are working.

Answer 8

The red flashing beacon lights on top or bottom of the fuselage are to warn people on the ground that the engines are starting, or running.

Answer 9

That would generally indicate that at least one engine is running.  Sometimes the engine on the side NOT attached to the jet bridge is kept running in order to supply electrical power, and that is a cue to ground personnel that the engine is on.  It could also be that the captain simply forgot to turn the switch off....  It happens occasionally :D