Basics About FAA Obstruction Lights

By Marcia Marks


FAA obstruction lights are found in various forms such as beacons and aircraft warning light. These lights are very important because they warn pilots of all tall structures that occupy airspace to avoid collision. The structures include antennas, bridges, buildings, towers, and cranes. ICAO and FAA are some of the organizations that are charged with the responsibility of setting standards of obstruction lights.

ICAO and FAA offer guidance on placement and selection of obstruction lighting accessories. They set standards for the accessories such as Night Vision Imaging Systems abbreviated as NVIS and Night Vision Goggles shortened as NVGs. It is advised that before buying any accessory all buyers should ensure that the goods meet the current FAA and ICAO standards. Buyers are advised to always insist on genuine or original accessories as they avoid counterfeits.

Aircraft warning light make every tall structure noticeable to pilots and are usually used at night even though they may be utilized in daytime. The lamps should be bright enough to be seen while far. The lights are usually in two colors red and white xenon. The red and white xenon lamps are either always lit or flicker at regular intervals. The illuminations were at first applied interchangeably but the new regulations require that red lights be used at night.

Red lamps are easily noticed by pilots in contrary to white xenon lights. There are many modes of obstruction lamps such as low, high, and medium intensity lamps. Medium intensity pasty lights are placed on each structure beyond 200 feet to a maximum of 500 feet. It is mandatory that if medium pasty lamps are placed on structures exceeding 500 feet then the structure has to be painted.

High intensity white xenon flashers are installed on structures above 500 feet. They offer high visibility both at nighttime and day. High intensity flashers flash forty times per minute at different intensities. The intensity decreases as nightfall approaches. They flickering intensity at sunset is 20000 candelas and 270000 candelas at daytime. The intensity decreases to 2000 candelas during nighttime.

Advancement in lighting technology has led to introduction of led obstruction light. The latest versions are energy efficient and are designed to fit almost everywhere around the globe. Led obstruction lights are a good substitute for incandescent bulbs. They are durable, reliable and free of maintenance. They come in a wide range, which comprise of relays, flashers, and photocells in order to meet different needs.

Warning light has its disadvantages. They contribute to light pollution in addition to killing birds. White strobes normally merge with the general lighting system of the surrounding hence confusing pilots. The confusion is the cause of most airplane accidents at night. White flashers are expensive to maintain as they require regular painting which comes at an extra cost.

FAA obstruction lights are part of safety measures that owners of all tall buildings must adhere to in order to prevent accidents. These pieces of equipment are manufactured by several companies. Every company attempts to modify its accessories in order to distinguish themselves. It might not be easy for buyers to choose which brand to buy and this is when the internet becomes important. All the required information is available on their websites over the internet.




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