An aircraft indicating it is about to start engines will show which of the following?

An aircraft that is about to start its engines typically indicates this intention by activating its landing lights and/or taxi lights. This signaling serves a dual purpose: it alerts ground personnel and other aircraft in the vicinity that the aircraft is preparing to begin engine operation, ensuring safety in the busy airfield environment.

When the lights are illuminated, it communicates that the aircraft is transitioning from a stationary position to a dynamic state, which may include the potential for movement. The operation of the landing and taxi lights is a recognizable visual cue that is consistently understood in aviation operations, enhancing situational awareness and safety.

While the other options describe various scenarios or aircraft configurations, they do not accurately represent the standard practice of indicating that engines are about to start. For instance, retracted landing gear is unrelated to the engine start-up process, and stationary propeller blades do not convey readiness for engine ignition. Similarly, cockpit lights being dimmed are not a standard indicator for engine status but rather a consideration for pilot visibility during nighttime operations.