How many Formation Lights are installed on the aircraft?

• A. Six
• B. Four
• C. Eight
• D. Ten

Answer: (C)

Formation lights, often called slime lights, are low-intensity lights placed around the airframe to help other aircraft see and maintain position during night formation flight. They’re placed so visibility is good from multiple angles, ensuring a trailing or leading aircraft can quickly discern the Growler’s position.

Eight lights provide that broad coverage without being overly bright, giving a steady glow when viewed from the sides, top, bottom, and rear. That’s why the aircraft is configured with eight formation lights—the quantity balances visibility and night-operations practicality.

Four or six would reduce visibility from certain angles, and ten would be more than needed for standard formation use, so eight is the appropriate, standard number for reliable formation signaling.