What should be taken into consideration when using strobes at night?

When using strobes at night, it is crucial to be aware of other pilots in the vicinity. Strobes increase your aircraft's visibility to others, making it essential to ensure that their usage does not inadvertently create safety issues or distractions for nearby pilots. For instance, excessive or inappropriate use of strobes can confuse or dazzle other pilots, especially in low-light conditions or when flying in close proximity to other aircraft.

While continuously using strobes may seem beneficial for visibility, it can overwhelm other pilots, especially if they are not accustomed to the intensity of strobe lights. The recommendation of using strobes specifically during takeoff and landing helps to signal the aircraft’s presence clearly but might not be necessary or helpful in other phases of flight. The suggestion to use strobes only when flying over water is not a standard practice and is not applicable to general flying operations. Therefore, understanding the impact on surrounding aircraft is vital for safe operations at night.