During what weather conditions would an airport beacon typically operate?

An airport beacon is primarily designed to aid pilots in locating the airport in conditions where visibility is limited. During fog or reduced visibility, the beacon becomes particularly important. It provides a visual reference for pilots who might otherwise struggle to see the airport due to low cloud cover, haze, or other visibility-impairing weather conditions. The rotating light emitted by the beacon helps in identifying the airport's position, ensuring safe navigation, especially during takeoff and landing when precision is crucial.

In contrast, during excellent visibility or sunny, clear weather, the necessity for a beacon diminishes because pilots can easily see the airport without additional assistance. Similarly, while the beacon may be operating during severe thunderstorms, its primary function isn't related to those specific conditions but rather to the general need for visibility when weather impairs it. Thus, fog or reduced visibility represents the typical scenario in which an airport beacon is most actively utilized.