At night, what is required for fixed-wing aircraft operating from a runway?

For fixed-wing aircraft operating from a runway at night, it is imperative that certain safety measures are in place to ensure visibility and safety during takeoff and landing. Among these measures, having the aircraft lights turned on is essential. This aids not only the pilot in navigation but also allows ground personnel and other aircraft to see the aircraft clearly, enhancing safety.

In night operations, runway lighting systems are generally activated to guide pilots during takeoff and landing phases. This means that having runway lights turned off would not only hinder the pilot's ability to see but could also create hazardous situations. Likewise, while ensuring the runway is clear of birds is vital for safety, it is not a definitive requirement unique to night operations, hence making that option less applicable in this context.

Therefore, having the aircraft lights on is a critical requirement for safe nighttime operations, which is why the option regarding the necessity of aircraft lights being on is pertinent in this scenario.