Is it legal to turn off the anti-collision lights (strobes) on the Cirrus at night while in close proximity to another aircraft (i.e. during runup) so as not to blind the pilot of that aircraft?
FAR 91.209 suggests, that in the interest of safety, I can. But AIM 4-3-23 states that I’m required to have the anti-collision lights on during all types of operations. The AIM also seems to suggest that the anti-collision lights may be turned off only during adverse meteorological conditions and that “supplemental” strobes can be turned off if deemed necessary. Are the strobes on the Cirrus considered “supplemental”?
FAR 91.209 (b):
No person may: Operate an aircraft that is equipped with an anticollision light system, unless it has lighted anticollision lights. However, the anticollision lights need not be lighted when the pilot-in-command determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to turn the lights off.
And AIM 4-3-23 (a):
Aircraft position lights are required to be lighted on aircraft operated on the surface and in flight from sunset to sunrise. In addition, aircraft equipped with an anti-collision light system are required to operate that light system during all types of operations (day and night). However, during any adverse meteorological conditions, the pilot-in-command may determine that the anti-collision lights should be turned off when their light output would constitute a hazard to safety (14 CFR Section 91.209). Supplementary strobe lights should be turned off on the ground when they adversely affect ground personnel or other pilots, and in flight when there are adverse reflection from clouds.