I live near a major airport and see commercial planes with huge front headlights shining in the night sky. What could they be good for way up in the sky, though? I get that when they are taking off/landing headlights are necessary. Why not give them lights like a boat, with a green in front and a red in back?
Working on the ramp we learned “if the red is on the right, you’re in the wrong place.” I.e., planes have the right-of-way over anyone else normally.