Final answer:
A steady green light gun signal directed at an aircraft indicates clearance to take off if on the ground and clearance to land if in flight, serving as a crucial communication means especially during radio failures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a steady green light gun when directed at an aircraft is to provide non-verbal instruction from air traffic control particularly when radio communication is not available or if there is a radio failure. If the light signal is directed at an aircraft on the ground, it indicates that the pilot is cleared to take off. If the steady green light is seen by a pilot in flight, it means that the pilot is cleared to land. Light gun signals are part of aviation light signal communication protocols and are very important for maintaining safety and effective communication with air traffic control.