Friday, December 20, 2013

Fundamentals 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.

FAA and ICAO provide help on selection and installation of obstruction lighting accessories. They set standards that obstruction light must meet like Night Vision Goggles abbreviated as NVGs and Night Vision Imaging Systems shortened as NVIS. It is recommended that before purchasing any accessory buyers must make sure that the products meet the existing ICAO and FAA rules and standards. Consumers are advised to insist on original or genuine accessories and refuse counterfeits.

Aircraft warning illumination make structures visible to pilots and are normally used at night though they still can be used in daytime. The illuminations are supposed to be of adequate brightness to be visible from far. The lights are normally in two colors white xenon and red. The white xenon and red lamps are either constantly lit or flash at regular intervals. The lights were initially used interchangeably but the new rules demand that red lamps be used at night.

Red light is easily seen by pilots unlike white xenon flashers. There are several modes of obstruction light such as medium intensity, low intensity, and high intensity lamps. Medium intensity white lamps are installed on every structure that is over 200 feet up to 500 feet. It is a must that if medium white lamps are used on structures over 500 feet then they must be painted.

High intensity pasty xenon flashers are placed on structures exceeding 500 feet. They provide better visibility at daytime and night. High intensity pasty flashers flicker 40 times per minute and at varying intensities. The intensity reduces as nightfall approaches. They flashing intensity during daytime and at sunset is 270000 and 20000 candelas respectively. At night the intensity decreases to two thousand candelas.

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 crucial part of safety measures, which owners of tall structures should observe to prevent accidents. The lamps are manufactured by many companies. Every firm tries to vary its accessories so as to distinguish themselves. It may not be quite easy for consumers to choose which make to purchase and it is at this point that the internet comes in. All the needed information is accessible on their blogs over the internet.




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