For A Deaf Pilot To Obtain A Private Pilot Certificate, Is There A Requirement For Operations At A Controlled Airport?

For A Deaf Pilot To Obtain A Private Pilot Certificate, Is There A Requirement For Operations At A Controlled Airport?

Yes, a requirement of the private pilot certificate is to perform three takeoff and landings at a controlled airport to demonstrate your ability to communicate with the tower.

You will be able to perform this task by means of the control tower aiming and directing a beam of light coming from a light gun. In the cockpit of the aircraft you will be able to see the beams of light directed at you. This beam of light is the way in which the tower will communicate with you.

Each beam of light is color coded and represents an action that is allowed. For example while on final approach the control tower shines a steady green, this steady green means cleared to land.

Control Tower Light Gun Signals

	Steady Green Signal Aircraft on ground is cleared for takeoff. Aircraft in flight is cleared to land.
	Flashing Green Signal Aircraft on ground is cleared for taxi. Aircraft in flight should return for landing (followed by steady green).
	Steady Red Signal Aircraft on ground must stop. Aircraft in flight should give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
	Flashing Red Signal Aircraft on ground must taxi clear of the runway in use. Aircraft in flight note that the airport is unsafe, do not land.
	Flashing White Signal Aircraft on ground must return to starting point on airport. Not applicable for aircraft in flight.
	Alternating Green & Red All aircraft should exercise extreme caution, on the ground or in flight.