What does a steady red light indicate in flight?

A steady red light in flight typically indicates that an aircraft must give way to other aircraft or may need to circle. This signal is used to convey important information to pilots, especially in controlled airspace, where the safety of multiple aircraft is a priority.

The purpose of the steady red light is to warn pilots that they may be in the presence of another aircraft and that they should take precautionary measures. This is crucial in maintaining safe distances and preventing collisions in busy air traffic areas.

In contrast, other signals provide different instructions regarding taxiing and runway usage. For instance, a steady red light does not indicate that an aircraft is cleared for taxi, nor does it generally suggest that a pilot should simply exercise caution without specific actions to take. It is important for pilots to be familiar with these signals to ensure safe flight operations.