Codes and Standards

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Chapter 2. General

20. OBJECTS TO BE MARKED AND LIGHTED.

Any temporary or permanent object, including all appurtenances, that exceeds an overall height of 200 feet (6lin) above ground level (AGL) or exceeds any obstruction standard contained in FAR Pan 77, Subpan C, should normally be marked and/or lighted. However, an FAA aeronautical study may reveal that the absence of marking and/or lighting will not impair aviation safety. Conversely, the object may present such an extraordinary hazard potential that higher standards may be recommended for increased conspicuity to ensure safety to air navigation. Normally outside commercial lighting is not considered sufficient reason to omit recommended marking and/or lighting. The FAA may also recommend marking and/or lighting a structure that does not exceed 200 feet AGL or Part 77, Subpart C standards because of its particular location.

21. GUYED STRUCTURES.

The guys of a 2,000 foot (610m) skeletal tower are anchored from 1,600 feet (488m) to 2,000 feet (610m) from the base of the structure. This places a portion of the guys 1,500 feet (458m) from the tower at a height of betwoen 125 feet (38m) to 500 feet (153m) AGL. FAR Section 91.119 requires pilots, when operating over other than congested areas, to remain at least 500 feet (153m) from man-made structures. Therefore, the tower must be cleared by 2,000 feet (610m) horizontally to avoid all guy wires. Properly maintained marking and lighting are important for increased conspicuity since the guys of a structure are difficult to see until aircraft are dangerously close.

22. MARKING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT.

It is slrongly recommended that construction sponsors become famaliar with the types of lighting systems available and request the desired lighting systems when submitting FAA Form 7460-1. If the marking and/or lighting is not specified on the form, the FAA regional office spedalists will contact the sponsor by telephone and ascertain their preference. The FAA recommends use of only those marking and lighting systems which meet the technical standards established by the FAA. Considerable effort and research have been expended in determining the minimum systems or quality of materials that will produce an acceptable level of safety in marking and lighting obstructions to air navigation. While additional lights may be desirable to identify an obstruction to air navigation and may, on occasion be recommended, the FAA has specified the minimum level in these recommended standards in the interest of economy, safety and related concerns. Therefore, to provide an adequate level of safety, obstruction lighting systems should be installed, operated and maintained as stated in these recommended standards. (See
CHAPTER 13. ).

23. LIGHT FAILURE NOTIFICATION;

Conspicuity is achieved only when all recommended lights are working. Partial equipment outages decrease the margin of safety. Any outage should be corrected as soon as possible. Failure of a steady burning side or intermediate light should be corrected as soon as possible, but notification is not required. Any failure or malfunction that lasts more than thirty (30) minutes and affects a top Hght or flashing obstruction light regardless of its position should be reported immediately to the nearest automated flight service station (AFSS) or flight service station (FSS) so a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) can be issued. Toll-free numbers are listed in most telephone hooks. This report should contain the following information:

a. Persons or organizations reporting light failures should furnish their name, title, address, and telephone number.

b. The type of structure.

c. Location of structure, including latitude and longitude, if known (prominent structures, landmarks, etc).

d. Height of strucmreabove ground level (AGL)/above mean sea level (AMSL), if known.

e. The date that normal operations are expected to resume.

24. NOTIFICATION OF RESTORATION.

As soon as normal operation is restored, notify the same AFSS/FSS that received the notification of failure. When the outage occurs on an FCC-regulated structure, the FCC will be notified if notice of restoration is not received within 30 days. FCC advises that noncompliance with notification procedures could subject its licensees to penalties or monetary forfeitures.

25. FCC REQUIREMENT.

FCC licensees are required to file an environmental assessment with the Commission when seeking authorization for the use of the high intensity flashing white lighting system.

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