Usually, telecommunication towers are high buildings which are designed for supporting antennas for telecommunication and broadcasting, including television as well as telecommunication.
These high towers are threatening to aviation safety because of their location and height. That’s why according to international regulations, such high buildings should be noticeable using aircraft warning lights.
Aircraft Warning Lights: What Are They?
These are high-intensity lighting devices which are normally attached to high buildings. Aircraft warning lights are also utilised as collision prevention measures.
These devices make buildings more noticeable to passing aircraft and are typically operated at night – however, they can be also used during the day. Aircraft warning signals should be bright enough to be visible far around the building.
These lighting devices are also called obstruction lights. In addition to that, they are created with various light intensity, shapes, and colours.
When it comes to the warning lights’ design and installation, there are no standards outlining minimum required necessities. Despite that fact, a few governing bodies such as FAA and ICAO are strictly regulating the use, design, and installation of such lighting devices.
For telecommunication towers, the number of aircraft warning lights to be fixed to the sides and bottom will depend on the tower base’s coverage. In addition to that, the amount of light levels is imperiled to the building’s height, the aircraft warning signals will refer to the general designation of the building. Any misconception may possibly lead to severe hazardous aviation problems.
Importance of Aircraft Warning Signals for Telecommunication Towers
As already mentioned, aircraft warning lights are created to make tower communications and other tall buildings visible to aircraft.
Air craft warning lights are of extreme importance as they prevent air accidents which may possibly come about because of incorrect marking of telecommunications. As a matter of fact, alerting an aircraft of their existence is very important.
However, you will only reap these benefits if the aircraft warning signals are installed and sited correctly.
The Different Types of Aircraft Warning Lights
- High-Intensity Aircraft Warning Lights
This type of aircraft warning light offers that greatest visibility both night and day. These lights are commonly installed to point out the presence of a certain object and are only mounted to buildings with a height of over 150 meters.
- Medium Intensity Aircraft Warning Signals
These aircraft warning lights are often a white strobe light.
Today, lots of manufacturers are creating medium-intensity white strobes that are based on an LED technology to replace the xenon, due to its inexpensive maintenance cost, longer lifespan, and power efficiency.
Either way, usually they are installed on buildings with a height of over 45 meters.
- Low-Intensity Aircraft Warning Lights
This type of aircraft warning light is a fixed-red light usually a steady burning light or flashing beacon. However, low-intensity aircraft warning lights are only created for night use. In addition, they should be mounted to buildings with a height lesser than 45 meters.
Conclusion:
It is essential, to ensure safety, that Aircraft Warning Lights are fitted to structures of this type, to minimise the risk of any air navigation danger.