During an inspection of an anticollision light installation, what should be verified?

The correct answer emphasizes that the anticollision light should operate independently from the navigation lights, meaning that they do not have to share the same circuit. Anticollision lights are critical for aircraft safety, as they are intended to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions.

This requirement ensures that in the event of a failure in the navigation lights' circuit, the anticollision light system remains operational, providing continued visibility to other aircraft. The independence of the anticollision light from position or navigation lights promotes safety by ensuring that multiple failure scenarios do not disable essential signaling functions.

In contrast, the other choices reflect requirements that do not align with standard practices or regulations concerning anticollision lights. For instance, anticollision lights should be operational regardless of landing gear position, which highlights the importance of visibility even when the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. Additionally, these lights do not need to function off an external power source, as they rely on the aircraft’s internal power systems.