What lighting is required for a lighter-than-air airship when flying at night?

The requirement for position lights and an aviation red or white anti-collision light system for an airship flying at night stems from essential safety regulations aimed at enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of collisions with other aircraft. Position lights are vital for indicating the aircraft's orientation and direction of travel to others in the airspace, while the anti-collision light system serves as a prominent signal to alert other pilots of the airship's presence, especially in low visibility conditions.

This combination ensures that the airship is clearly visible to both other aircraft and ground controllers, facilitating safer night operations. Without these lighting systems, the risk of accidents increases significantly, as other pilots would have a harder time seeing the airship, particularly in crowded airspace. This regulation aligns with best practices in aviation safety, ensuring that all lighted aircraft can be identified and their intentions can be understood by others in the vicinity.