Which of the following is NOT one of the five lights in the NATO T?

• A. Center light
• B. Left flanker light
• C. Base light
• D. Right flanker light

Answer: (A)

The NATO T pattern is designed to give pilots a quick, unmistakable visual cue for locating and aligning with a landing zone at night. It forms a T shape using a specific set of lights placed to outline the horizontal bar and the vertical stem.

The center light isn’t part of that silhouette. Including a light at the center would obscure the distinct T shape the pattern is meant to convey and could confuse the pilot instead of helping orientation. The lights that do create the recognizable outline are the ones at the ends of the horizontal bar (the flankers) and the lights that form the vertical stem (top and base). Those positions give pilots a clear, stable reference for approach and alignment, while a central beacon would not contribute to that clarity.