Final answer:
To determine the operability of position/navigation lights as part of a night preflight, visually inspect and observe their illumination. Follow proper safety precautions and ensure the lights are bright and clearly visible from different angles. Replace or repair any lights that are not functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about determining the operability of position/navigation lights as part of a night preflight in aviation. These lights are important for maintaining visibility and indicating the position of an aircraft to other pilots and ground personnel. To check if the position lights are operating, you would visually inspect them and observe their illumination.
Position/navigation lights typically include wingtip lights, tail lights, and anti-collision lights. These lights should be bright and clearly visible from different angles. You can observe them by standing at a distance and ensuring that they are all functioning properly. If any of the lights are not working, they should be replaced or repaired before the flight.
It is important to follow proper safety precautions while observing the lights, as directly looking at very bright lights can be harmful to the eyes. Therefore, it is recommended to observe the lights indirectly or at a safe distance.