Which type of light is activated just prior to engine start and during shutdown?

The correct choice is the position lights, which are specifically designed to provide visual indication of an aircraft's orientation on the ground and during flight. These lights are typically activated just prior to engine start and remain on during the shutdown sequence to enhance visibility and ensure safety.

Position lights consist of red lights on the left wingtip, green lights on the right wingtip, and a white light on the tail. Their activation at these times assists ground personnel and other aircraft in identifying the aircraft’s location and direction of travel, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents.

While anti-collision lights, landing lights, and navigation lights also serve important purposes, they operate under different conditions. Anti-collision lights are generally utilized during flight to prevent mid-air collisions and may be turned on shortly before takeoff but are not specifically tied to engine start or shutdown activities. Landing lights are primarily used during the approach and landing phases to illuminate the runway and are typically turned on as the aircraft prepares to land. Navigation lights are used throughout the flight but do not have the specific timings associated with engine operations.