I don't like them too much... not enough realistics to my taste.

and you screenshot is a very good example, the lights on the ground look like the source is few feet above the ground, where it is actually higher. and the limits between lighted area and not lighted area is too sharp...

but they can be a nice addition to some shots...

nice airport, by the way... at the end of the runway continue for 4 miles, the turn left and after 3 miles, park your plane and give me a call, I'll offer you a coffee, or what ever... 

vince

I think in a situation like this (civil jet landing at dawn / dusk) the landing lights add to the situation, as it adds to the realism. However, it's better if they are soft lights so the focus remains on the aircraft (or whatever you focus the shot around) and not some strong lights which instantly draw attention to themselves.

With this shot it isn't too bad, but if they were slightly softer it would be even better

To answer the question literaly, i'd say they were essential in a shot like this. It would look pretty daft without any in the dark don't you think?

As for the lights themselves, there are many upgrades out there that will vastly improve on the default lighting. Some are softer, some light a wider area, etc. Have a search on hear or at Avsim to see what you can find.

Landing lights...that falls under the 'depends' category.

During the day, if you have them on and the plane has the whole body lit up effect, then thats a definate no, it looks weird.  But at night its a yes, depending on the situation.  Cruise? No.  Decent? No. Final? Yes!  But make sure to find a good angle.  The shot you posted there is a good angle, you get a good feel for the approach and the landing lights add to night effect.  Sometimes from the frongt works too, but you have to be careful...