What should you do if preflighting at night?

Using white light for preflighting at night is the most effective choice because it provides the best visibility for inspecting aircraft components and identifying any issues. White light illuminates a wider range of colors and details, allowing for a thorough check of the aircraft's condition, such as fuel levels, control surfaces, and any signs of damage. This enhances safety by ensuring that all necessary checks are comprehensively performed before flight.

While using red light is helpful for maintaining night vision, it does not offer the same clarity and color perception needed for a detailed inspection. Avoiding the use of a flashlight altogether is not practical, as adequate lighting is essential for safety during preflight procedures. Keeping all lights on, while potentially illuminating the area, can lead to glare that may hinder proper inspection and may also impact night vision. Therefore, preflighting with white light is the most suitable approach to ensure a safe and thorough check at night.