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Communication Tower Bulb????
- Thread starter regs09
- Start date
The aircraft warning lights installed on towers have to meet (in most jurisdictions) very specific technical requirements. They're not just red light bulbs. There's typically even a fall-back backup bulb.
I can't find a reference right now, I'll keep looking later today.
I can't find a reference right now, I'll keep looking later today.
Wiki:
leads to FAA:
AC 70/7460-1K, Obstruction Marking and Lighting
One old legend has it that a guy bought a used clearance light and installed it on his tower just for laughs. The tower wasn't tall enough to require lighting, but he installed the red light just for fun. Then the light bulb eventually burned out, and he ignored it. But somehow the tower had ended up on the aeronautical charts as being lit. So the FAA hit him with a trillion-billion-million dollar fine.
leads to FAA:
AC 70/7460-1K, Obstruction Marking and Lighting
One old legend has it that a guy bought a used clearance light and installed it on his tower just for laughs. The tower wasn't tall enough to require lighting, but he installed the red light just for fun. Then the light bulb eventually burned out, and he ignored it. But somehow the tower had ended up on the aeronautical charts as being lit. So the FAA hit him with a trillion-billion-million dollar fine.
robertjo24
Industrial
Here is a vendor website for tower lighting systems.
Basically, (in the US) if your tower is over 200’ (AGL) or near any airport local flight path (need to check with the FAA) a communications tower must have either:
1 red light system for night time visibility and be painted alternating aviation orange and white for daytime visibility
-or-
2 red light system for night time visibility and have a high intensity white strobe system for daytime visibility
-or-
3 Have a dual mode (dual intensity) white strobe system for day/night visibility
There are several rules regarding what lighting system can be installed and where, and the numbers & types of lights depending on tower height and vicinity to an airport or community.
Also, all tower lighting systems must be approved through the FCC & FAA (in the US) prior to installation.
If you are unsure on whether or not you need a system or what type of system is right for your situation, a qualified tower contractor can guide you in the right direction. To find a qualified tower contractor in your area (again in the US) you can contact the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) at
Hope this helps...
Basically, (in the US) if your tower is over 200’ (AGL) or near any airport local flight path (need to check with the FAA) a communications tower must have either:
1 red light system for night time visibility and be painted alternating aviation orange and white for daytime visibility
-or-
2 red light system for night time visibility and have a high intensity white strobe system for daytime visibility
-or-
3 Have a dual mode (dual intensity) white strobe system for day/night visibility
There are several rules regarding what lighting system can be installed and where, and the numbers & types of lights depending on tower height and vicinity to an airport or community.
Also, all tower lighting systems must be approved through the FCC & FAA (in the US) prior to installation.
If you are unsure on whether or not you need a system or what type of system is right for your situation, a qualified tower contractor can guide you in the right direction. To find a qualified tower contractor in your area (again in the US) you can contact the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) at
Hope this helps...
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