Final answer:
ATC light gun signals on the ground communicate vital instructions to aircraft when radio communication is not possible, including permissions to taxi, takeoff, warnings to stop, and the need to exercise caution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is aviation, specifically regarding ATC (Air Traffic Control) light gun signals that are used on the ground to communicate with aircraft when radio communication is not available. Here are the signals you listed with their meanings:
- Steady Green: Cleared for takeoff or cleared to taxi to the assigned runway.
- Flashing Green: Cleared to taxi or return for taxiing.
- Steady Red: Stop.
- Flashing Red: Taxi clear of the runway in use or vacate the runway.
- Flashing White: Return to the starting point on the airport.
- Alternating Red and Green: Exercise extreme caution.
It's important for pilots to be familiar with these signals for the safety and efficiency of ground operations when typical radio communications fail or are not possible.