What is the maximum blinking rate for Aeronautical Beacons per minute?

What is the maximum blinking rate for Aeronautical Beacons per minute?

• A. 60 times per minute
• B. 20 times per minute
• C. No more than 40 times per minute
• D. 15 times per minute

Answer: (C)

Beacons are designed with a specific, uniform flash rate so pilots can recognize them easily without being overwhelmed by rapid flicker. The maximum rate is no more than 40 times per minute, which means about a 1.5-second interval between flashes. This pace keeps the beacon clearly noticeable in daylight or night and reduces fatigue or confusion from too-fast flashing. If the rate were higher, the flashes would become too rapid to interpret reliably; if it were lower, the beacon might not register quickly enough at a distance. So, the limit of 40 flashes per minute is the balance that regulators aim for.

Beacons are designed with a specific, uniform flash rate so pilots can recognize them easily without being overwhelmed by rapid flicker. The maximum rate is no more than 40 times per minute, which means about a 1.5-second interval between flashes. This pace keeps the beacon clearly noticeable in daylight or night and reduces fatigue or confusion from too-fast flashing. If the rate were higher, the flashes would become too rapid to interpret reliably; if it were lower, the beacon might not register quickly enough at a distance. So, the limit of 40 flashes per minute is the balance that regulators aim for.