Helicopter search light comprising: a lighting arrangement comprising at least one light source (10, 20) and having an adjustable light output; characterised by a light detector, which is configured for detecting light reflected by the ground and/or at least one item on the ground and for providing a detection signal which is correlated to an amount of light detected; and a control unit, coupled to the light detector for receiving the detection signal and to the at least one light source (10, 20) for controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement; wherein the control unit is configured for: selectively switching at least a subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) on and off; determining a first light detection value (w 1) from the detection signal, the first light detection value (w 1) being indicative of the amount of ambient light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched off; determining a second light detection value (w 2) from the detection signal, the second light detection value (w 2) being indicative of the amount of light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched on; and controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement as a function of the first light detection value (w 1) and the second light detection value (w 2). a lighting arrangement comprising at least one light source (10, 20) and having an adjustable light output; characterised by a light detector, which is configured for detecting light reflected by the ground and/or at least one item on the ground and for providing a detection signal which is correlated to an amount of light detected; and a control unit, coupled to the light detector for receiving the detection signal and to the at least one light source (10, 20) for controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement; wherein the control unit is configured for: selectively switching at least a subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) on and off; determining a first light detection value (w 1) from the detection signal, the first light detection value (w 1) being indicative of the amount of ambient light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched off; determining a second light detection value (w 2) from the detection signal, the second light detection value (w 2) being indicative of the amount of light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched on; and controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement as a function of the first light detection value (w 1) and the second light detection value (w 2). selectively switching at least a subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) on and off; determining a first light detection value (w 1) from the detection signal, the first light detection value (w 1) being indicative of the amount of ambient light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched off; determining a second light detection value (w 2) from the detection signal, the second light detection value (w 2) being indicative of the amount of light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched on; and controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement as a function of the first light detection value (w 1) and the second light detection value (w 2).