Abstract: A system and method for extending the useful life of anti-collision lights comprising inert gas flash tubes and which are included on commercial, military, and business jet aircraft. When the aircraft is cruising in high altitude tightly controlled airspace (where instrument flight rules are controlling, i.e., at altitudes above 18,000 feet), and when the aircraft is not undergoing a substantial change in altitude, the power input to the anti-collision lights is reduced. The reduction in the power provides a significant increase in the useful life of the flash tube while causing only slight reduction in the intensity of the light output of the flash tube.