During which condition do the green running man exit signs illuminate?

• A. During takeoff
• B. During landing when the landing gear extends
• C. Only when the crew press a button
• D. Never on these aircraft

Answer: (B)

Green running-man exit signs are part of the emergency lighting that marks the exits for passengers. They illuminate because, during the landing phase, there’s a real possibility of needing a quick evacuation once the aircraft is on the ground. As the crew prepares for exit doors to be used after touchdown and as visibility may be reduced, the emergency lighting system automatically activates to outline the escape path. That automatic activation during the approach/landing phase, when the aircraft is near the ground and doors may be armed, is why these signs light up when the landing gear extends. They aren’t dependent on a manual button being pressed, and they aren’t kept off for that phase on these aircraft.