What should a pilot do when encountering a steady red light on the ground?

When a pilot encounters a steady red light on the ground, it indicates that the pilot should stop. This signal is part of the visual communication used in air traffic control to ensure safety on the airfield. The steady red light typically means that the area in front of the aircraft is unsafe for movement, often due to reasons such as an active runway crossing or other potential hazards.

Stopping is crucial to prevent accidents or conflicts with other aircraft and personnel. It allows the pilot to assess the situation further and await instructions from air traffic control or wait for the light signal to change. Since the steady red light conveys a clear message to halt, this is the correct action to take in adherence to ground safety protocols.