CHAPTER 14. MARKING AND LIGHTING TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
14.1 Purpose.
This chapter provides general guidelines for marking and lighting temporary structures, such as construction equipment, cranes, derricks, oil and drilling rigs, etc. The purpose of marking and lighting these obstructions is to indicate the presence and general outline of the structure to assist pilots when approaching from any direction to identify and avoid these obstacles. These guidelines are not to be considered all-inclusive, each obstacle must be evaluated individually and the determination will provide lighting requirements that are specific to the structure.
14.2 General Standards.
Due to the temporary nature, potential mobility, and ability to instantaneously extend to full height, accommodations must be made to mitigate the effects of these structures on the airspace for safe operations. Temporary structures are unique based on the structure type, size, and use, and the aeronautical study evaluates the potential effect on airspace. Proximity to airports, navigational aids (NAVAIDS), air routes, and local flight activity, as well as the duration of the project are considered during the evaluation process.
Marking and/or lighting of these structures is intended to provide day and night conspicuity and to assist pilots in identifying and avoiding these obstacles. In some cases, the Sponsor will also be required to initiate a NOTAM to provide additional mitigation procedures for the safe operation of the temporary obstacle due to the proximity of these aviation elements.
14.3 Marking Standards.
Marking is used to increase conspicuity of structures for daytime conditions. Flags are used to mark certain structures or objects when it is technically impractical to use paint. When using paint, various types of paint colors and patterns are used to mark structures and the pattern should ensure the paint contrasts with the surrounding environment.
14.3.1 Flag Markers.
Flag markers must be mounted at the highest point of the structure to ensure visibility. Some common examples of structures that may utilize this type of markers include, temporary construction equipment and vehicles, oil and drilling rigs, cranes, and derricks. Refer to Section
3.5.2 for full details.
1. Minimum Size. Each side of the flag marker should be at least two feet (0.61 m) in length.
2. Color Patterns. Flags should be colored as follows:
a. Solid colored flag must be aviation orange.
b. When using two colors, arrange two triangular sections, one aviation orange and the other white to form a rectangle.
c. Flags three feet (0.91 m) or larger should be a checkerboard pattern of aviation orange and white squares, each one foot (0.30 m) plus or minus 10 percent.
3. Display. Flag markers should be displayed around, on top, or along the highest edge of the obstruction. The flag staff should be strong enough to support the flag and be higher than the surrounding ground, structures, and/or objects of natural growth.
14.3.2 Paint.
1. Ideally cranes should be painted aviation orange or alternating aviation orange and white, however with flags and/or lights, contrasting bright colors that do not merge into the surrounding environment are acceptable. Colors that camouflage with the surrounding environment (i.e., sky blue, forest green, etc.) should be avoided.
2. Refer to paragraph 3.2, Paint Standard, for details.
14.3.3 Alternative to Marking.
1. Along with, or as an alternative to paint, medium intensity white lighting can be used to make the obstacle more conspicuous during daytime conditions for structures over 200 feet AGL.
2. High intensity lighting is not recommended on temporary structures.
14.4 Lighting Standards.
Lighting is used to increase conspicuity of structures for day or nighttime conditions and must be visible to a pilot approaching in any direction. When a temporary structure cannot be removed from site or lowered below the no-effect height, the addition of lighting will be used to alert pilots of their presence. Generally, red lights are recommended during the hours between sunset and sunrise and periods of reduced visibility, using marking for the remainder of the time with occasional exceptions. Lights must be mounted at the highest point of the structure, and in cases of more extensive structures additional lights may be necessary at intermediate levels and furthest horizontal points (i.e., horizontal boom ends, etc.) to clarify the outline of the structure (see Figure A-31).
1. Structures 150 feet (45.72 m) AGL or less . Two or more steady -burning or flashing red (L - 810/L-810 F) lights should be installed on the highest part of the structure in a manner to ensure an unobstructed view of one or more lights by a pilot.
2. Structures exceeding 150 feet (45.72 m) AGL and not more than 350 feet (106.68 m) AGL.
At least one red flashing (L-864) light should be installed on the highest part of the structure and intermediate levels of one or more flashing red lights (L-810 F) should be mounted in a manner to ensure an unobstructed view of one or more lights by a pilot.
a. Mounting Intermediate Level Lights. The number of light levels required is determined by the height of the structure, including all appurtenances, as shown in, Figure A-6. The number of lights on each level is determined by the shape and width of the structure. At least two or more of these lights (L-810 F) should be mounted diagonally or on diametrically opposite positions to ensure an unobstructed view of at least one light at each level by a pilot approaching in any direction. These lights should be configured to flash simultaneously with the L-864 flashing light on the top of the structure at a rate of 30 flashes per minute (fpm) (± 3 fpm). Steady burning lights (L-810) and red flashing lights (L-864) are not used as intermediate level lights on these types of structures.
3. Structures exceeding 350 feet (106.68 m) AGL. At least one red flashing (L-864) light should be installed on the highest part of the structure in a manner to ensure an unobstructed view of one or more lights by a pilot. In addition, intermediate levels of lights of flashing red (L -864) will be required.
a. Intermediate Levels Lights. The number of light levels required is determined by the height of the structure, including all appurtenances, as shown in, Figure A-6. The number of lights on each level is determined by the shape and width of the structure. At least two or more of these lights (L-864) should be mounted diagonally or on diametrically opposite positions to ensure an unobstructed view of at least one light at each level by a pilot approaching in any direction. These lights should be configured to flash simultaneously with the L-864 flashing light on the top of the structure at a rate of 30 flashes per minute (fpm) (± 3 fpm). Steady burning lights are not used on these types of structures.
14.4.1 Construction Cranes or Rigs (Oil and Drilling).
When a crane or rig cannot be removed from site or lowered below the no-effect height, the addition of lighting will be used to alert pilots of their presence during the hours between sunset and sunrise and periods of reduced visibility. Lights must be mounted at the highest point, and in cases of more extensive structures additional lights may be necessary at intermediate levels and furthest horizontal (i.e., horizontal boom ends, etc.) points to clarify the outline of the structure (see Figure A-32).
1. Systems. Steady burning and flashing red lights (L-864/L-810) may be used to light cranes and rigs. High-intensity lights (L-856) are not recommended.
2. Display. The flashing light (L-864) should be displayed on the highest point, and the steady light (L-810) at the ends of boom, and other various locations along the top of the structure to best define the outline. Additionally, in certain cases, intermediate level lighting or sidelights (L-810) may be required. For construction cranes with angular booms, the lights must be mounted on a pivot axis so the fixture remains level when the boom tilts to ensure the lights remain level and is not obscured by the structure.
3. Exceptions.
a. Architectural lighting or floodlights may be used in addition to, but not in place of, standard lighting provided they do not cause an adverse effect on the obstruction light fixture’s photometrics and do not result in an obscured view of one of more obstruction lights by a pilot.
b. In some cases, the boom or rig may be lowered below the no-effect height or removed from site, and nighttime lighting is not required.
14.4.2 Container Cranes.
1. These structures are generally used in brightly lit areas, however lighting must be used to alert pilots of the current configuration and presence of the obstruction during the hours between sunset and sunrise and periods of reduced visibility. Extensive structures require additional lights at intermediate levels and furthest horizontal points, (i.e., horizontal boom ends, etc.), as well as horizontal mid-points as necessary, to clarify the outline of the structure for pilots approaching from any direction.
2. Systems. Medium intensity white lights (L-865) may be used, however high-intensity lights (L-856) are not recommended.
3. Display. The lights should be displayed on the highest point, ends of boom, and other various ways to best define the size and shape of the structure. Lights must be mounted at the highest point at all times during usage. For large container cranes with angular booms, the lights must be mounted on a pivot axis so the fixture remains level when the boom tilts to ensure the lights remain level and is not obscured by the structure (see Figure A-33).
4. Exceptions. Architectural lighting or floodlights may be used in addition to, but not in place of, standard lighting provided they do not cause an adverse effect on the obstruction light fixture’s photometrics and do not result in an obscured view of one of more obstruction lights by a pilot.
14.5 Operational Characteristics.
When using flashing lights, the lights should flash simultaneously.
CHAPTER 15. MARKING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND INFORMATION
15.1 Purpose.
This chapter lists documents relating to obstruction marking and lighting systems and where they may be obtained.
15.2 Paint Standard.
15.2.1 Paint and aviation colors/gloss, referred to in this AC, with the exception of wind turbines, should conform to Aerospace Material Specification Standard, SAE-AMS- STD-595, Colors Used in Government Procurement, previously known as FED-STD- 595 (cancelled February 14, 2017). Wind turbines must meet the standards in Chapter 13, paragraph 13.4, of this AC.
15.2.2 Approved colors must be formulated without using lead, zinc chromate, or other heavy metals to match international aviation orange, white, and yellow, as listed in Table 3-1. All coatings must be manufactured and labeled to meet Federal Environmental Protection Act Volatile Organic Compound(s) guidelines, including the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for architectural coatings.
1. Exterior Acrylic Waterborne Paint. Coatings should be ready-mixed, 100 percent acrylic, exterior latex formulated for application directly to galvanized surfaces. Ferrous iron and steel or non-galvanized surfaces must be primed with a manufacturer-recommended primer compatible with the finish coat.
2. Exterior Solvent-Borne Alkyd-Based Paint. Coatings should be ready-mixed, alkyd-based, exterior enamel for application directly to non-galvanized surfaces, such as ferrous iron and steel. Galvanized surfaces must be primed with a manufacturer-recommended primer compatible with the finish coat.
Table 15-1. Aerospace Material Specification Standard, SAE-AMS-STD-595
Color Number Orange EA 12197 White EA 17875 Yellow EA 13538
15.3 Availability of Specifications and Advisory Circulars.
1. Federal and military specifications describing the technical characteristics of various paints and their application techniques are available through the ASSIST Database at https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/. ASSIST is a robust, comprehensive website used by standardization management activities to develop, coordinate, distribute, and manage defense and federal specifications and standards, military handbooks, commercial item descriptions, data item descriptions, and related technical documents prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP).
2. For Federal Product Description line items only (for download, refer to ASSIST), use the following Uniform Resource Locator (URL):
https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/requisition- programs/gsa-globalsupply/supply-standards/index-of-federal- specifications-standards-and-commercial-itemdescriptions.
3. Copies of FAA Advisory Circulars may be obtained online at:
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/
15.4 Lights and Associated Equipment Standards.
The lighting equipment referred to in this AC should conform to the latest edition of one of the following specifications, as applicable:
1. Obstruction Lighting Equipment.
a. AC 150/5345-43, FAA Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment.
b. Military Specifications MIL-L-6273, Light, Navigational, Beacon, Obstacle, or Code, Type G-1.
c. Military Specifications MIL-L-7830, Light Assembly, Marker, Aircraft Obstruction.
2. Certified Equipment.
a. AC 150/5345-53, Airport Lighting Certification Program, lists the manufacturers that have demonstrated compliance with the specification requirements of AC 150/5345-43, FAA Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment.
b. Other manufacturers’ equipment may be used provided the equipment meets the specification requirements of AC 150/5345-43, FAA Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment.
3. Airport Lighting Installation and Maintenance.
AC 150/5340-30, Design and Installation Details for Airport Visual Aids.
4. Vehicles and Structures.
a. AC 150/5210-5, Painting, Marking, and Lighting of Vehicles Used on an Airport, contains provisions for marking vehicles principally used on airports.
b. FAA Standard FAA-STD-003, Paint Systems for Structures. Obstruction marking for FAA facilities must conform to FAA Drawing Number D-5480 (page 39 of 42).
15.5 Availability of Military Specifications.
The military standards and specifications listed above may be obtained from:
DAP/DODSSP Building 4, Section D 700 Robbins Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111-5904 Telephone: (215) 737-8000 FAX: (215) 737-7155
URL: https://quicksearch.dla.mil/ (ASSIST Database)
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS FOR OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING EQUIPMENT CLASSIFICATION
Type Symbol Description
L-810 L-810 F
Steady-Burning or Flashing (30 FPM) - RED Single Obstruction Light
L-810 L-810 F
Steady-Burning or Flashing (30 FPM) – RED Double Obstruction Light
L-856
High-Intensity Flashing – WHITE Obstruction Light (40 FPM)
L-857
High-Intensity Flashing – WHITE Catenary Light (60 FPM)
L-864 Medium-Intensity Flashing – RED Obstruction Light (20-40 FPM)(30 FPM when used with L-810 F)
L-865
Medium-Intensity Flashing – WHITE Obstruction Light (40-FPM)
L-866
Medium-Intensity Flashing - WHITE Catenary Light (60-FPM)
L-864/L-865
Medium-Intensity Flashing Dual – RED / WHITE Obstruction Light (20-40 FPM) Obstruction Light (40 FPM)
L-885
Flashing Obstruction Light - RED Obstruction Light (60 FPM) FPM = Flashes Per Minute Table A-1. FAA-Approved Obstruction Lighting Fixtures
Figure A-1. Meteorological Evaluation Tower (MET) Marking Standards (Monopole Structure)
METEROLOGICAL (MET) TOWER
MARKING STANDARDS (GUYED STRUCTURE) Day Protection = Aviation Orange / White Paint, High-Visibility Sleeves and Spherical Markers Two marker balls per outer guy wire (One within 15 ft of upper anchor point and the other at mid-point of cable) Two sleeves per outer guy wire (One just above expected vegetation height, and the other midway between lower sleeve and upper anchor point.)
50ft. - 200ft (15m - 61m) Expected Vegetation = High-Visibility Sleeve = Spherical Marker - Aviation Orange Figure A-2. Meteorological Evaluation Tower (MET) Marking Standards (Guyed Structure) 65
PAINTING AND LIGHTING OF WATER TOWER, STORAGE TANKS,
AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES Day Protection = Avlation Orange / White Paint Night Protection = 2,000 cd Red Light and 32 cd Red Steady-Burning Side Lights Above 150 fl (45 m) but not more than 350 ft (108 m) Above 150 fl (45 m) but not more than 350 ft (108 m) = L-864 (Flashing Red Light) Note:
See paragraph 5.2. regarding
•/ = L-810 (Steady-Burning Red Light) IR specifications for LED-based red obstruction lights.
Figure A-3. Painting and Lighting of Water Towers, Storage Tanks, and Similar Structures 66