A fixed-wing aircraft is an aircraft that achieves flight by using wings to produce lift. They are called “fixed-wing” because their wings are stationary, as opposed to rotary-wing aircraft, which generate lift by rapidly spinning rotors or blades. To work properly, the wings of an aircraft have to attach to a structure. In the case of fixed-wing aircraft, the aircraft wings are attached to the body of the aircraft, known as the fuselage. There are three types of fixed-wing aircraft fuselage structures: Truss, Monocoque, and Semimonocoque.

As with any part that is to be installed on an aircraft, it must meet some type of FAA qualification to be legally installed on aircraft and considered airworthy. An important certification of compliance regarding aviation parts is being approved as a “Standard Part”. Standard parts are components and materials that conform to an established industry or US government published specification. This can mean they meet specifications such military standard, aviation standard, or nas standards, and the qualification and approval of these articles is given by the FAA.

Every light on an aircraft has its own purpose. They can be broken down into two categories based on what it makes visible, either aircraft or pilot visibility. Lights that improve aircraft visibility are lighting systems that help make the aircraft more visible to other aircraft while in flight. Lights that improve pilot visibility are lighting systems that make it clearer for the pilot to look out the flight deck windows.

The modernization of aircraft has seen a correlated increase in the amount of AC power systems providing the vessel its electrical capabilities. Many of these electrical systems operate solely on AC. On the other hand, lighter aircraft tend to function better when using DC systems. The model AC electrical system would be composed of an AC alternator, a system that regulates the aforementioned alternator, as well as fuses and wiring.

Aircraft come equipped with a myriad of lights that are designed to perform different functions. Whether it be navigation, safety, improving visibility, or signaling, the lights on an aircraft are essential to its signaling communications. An aircraft’s external lighting includes navigation lights, anti-collision lights, landing lights, taxi lights, and wing lights.