1.
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
ADVISORY
CIRCULAR AC 70/7460-1M Obstruction Marking and Lighting
Effective: 11/16/2020 Initiated by: Policy Assurance
AC 70/7460-1M 11/16/2020
Advisory Circular Subject: Obstruction Marking and Lighting Date: 11/16/2020 AC No. 70/7460-1M Initiated By: AJV-P13
Purpose.
This Advisory Circular (AC) describes the Federal Aviation Administration’s standards for marking and lighting structures to promote aviation safety.
Cancellation. AC 70/7460-1L, change 2, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, dated August 2018 is cancelled by this version.
1. Effective Date. This AC is effective November 16, 2020.
2. Related Documents.
a. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 77 describes the standards used relative to objects in the navigable airspace and specifies the requirements for notice to the Administrator of certain proposed construction or alteration.
b. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) specifications are contained in Part 17 of the FCC Rules and Regulations Principal Changes.
This circular contains numerous editorial changes. Major changes are listed below.
a. Page 2, Addition of Note. The FAA has changed specifications for light emitting diode (LED)-based red obstruction lights to make them visible to pilots using certain night vision goggle systems. Effective with the implementation of this change in FAA AC 150/5345-43, Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment, manufacturers will be required to meet the new specification for certified red LED-based obstruction lights.
b. Page 6, Removed paragraph 2.8, Obstruction Height Definition. Structures lower than 499 feet AGL can be considered obstructions. As written, the paragraph caused confusion and was deleted.
c. Informational paragraphs are added regarding the change to manufacturing standards for LED-based red obstruction lights compatibility with night vision goggle systems and maintaining conspicuity to avoid misinterpretation when replacing lights.
d. Reorganized information in Chapter 11, Marking and Lighting of Catenary and Catenary Support Structures and chapter 13, Marking and Lighting Wind Turbines.
e. Reorganized chapters by subject matter and figures in , Pages A-1 to A- 29, as well as minor grammatical changes
AC 70/7460-1M 11/16/2020
f. Added Chapter 14, Marking and Lighting Temporary Structures and associated figures in the Appendix, Figures A-31 through A-33.
g. Added Figure 22, Catenary Markers - Line Spacing (Adjacent Lines Within 200 feet (60.96
m) or Less
h. Added , Figure 30 Wind Turbine Lighting During Construction.
Comments or Suggestions.
Direct comments or suggestions regarding this AC to:
Federal Aviation Administration Manager, Policy Assurance Attention: AJV-P13 600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20591
Karen Chiodini, Director (A) Policy, AJV-P Mission Support Services Federal Aviation Administration
AC 70/7460-1M 11/16/2020
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL PROCEDURES1
1.1 Reporting Requirements1
1.2 Preconstruction Notice1
1.3 FAA Acknowledgement1
1.4 Supplemental Notice Requirement1
1.5 Modifications and Deviations1
1.6 Additional Notification3
CHAPTER 2. GENERAL4
2.1 Structures to be Marked and Lighted4
2.2 Guyed Structures4
2.3 Marking and Lighting Equipment4
2.4 Light Failure Notification4
2.5 Notification of Restoration5
2.6 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Requirement6
2.7 Voluntary Marking of Meteorological Evaluation Towers (MET) Less Than 200 Feet
(60.96 m) AGL6
CHAPTER 3. MARKING GUIDELINES7
3.1 Purpose7
3.2 Paint Colors7
3.3 Paint Standards7
3.4 Paint Patterns8
3.5 Unlighted Markers11
3.6 Unusual Complexities13
3.7 Omission or Alternatives to Marking13
CHAPTER 4. LIGHTING GUIDELINE14
4.1 Purpose14
AC 70/7460-1M 11/16/2020
4.2 Standards14
4.3 Lighting Systems14
4.4 Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance15
4.5 Nonstandard Lights16
4.6 Placement Factors16
4.7 Monitoring Obstruction Lights17
4.8 Ice Shields18
4.9 Light Shields18
4.10 Distractions18
CHAPTER 5. RED OBSTRUCTION LIGHT SYSTEM19
5.1 Purpose19
5.2 Standards19
5.3 Control Device20
5.4 Alternate Method of Displaying Obstruction Lights20
5.5 Poles, Towers, and Similar Skeletal Structures20
5.6 Chimneys, Flare Stacks, and Similar Solid Structures (except Hyperbolic
Cooling Towers)21
5.7 Prominent Buildings, Bridges, and Similar Extensive Obstructions22
5.8 Group of Obstructions23
CHAPTER 6. MEDIUM-INTENSITY FLASHING WHITE OBSTRUCTION LIGHT
SYSTEMS25
6.1 Purpose25
6.2 Standards25
6.3 Control Device25
6.4 Radio and Television Towers and Similar Skeletal Structures25
6.5 Chimneys, Flare Stacks, and Similar Solid Structures27
6.6 Prominent Buildings and Similar Extensive Obstructions27
6.7 Group of Obstructions28
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6.8 Special Cases28
CHAPTER 7. HIGH-INTENSITY FLASHING WHITE OBSTRUCTION LIGHT
SYSTEMS29
7.1 Purpose29
7.2 Standards29
7.3 Control Device29
7.4 Units per Level29
7.5 Installation Guidance30
7.6 Radio and Television Towers and Similar Skeletal Structures31
7.7 Antenna or Similar Appurtenance Light32
7.8 Chimneys, Flare Stacks, and Similar Solid Structures32
7.9 Prominent Buildings and Similar Extensive Obstructions32
7.10 Hyperbolic Cooling Towers33
7.11 Special Cases33
CHAPTER 8. DUAL LIGHTING WITH RED/MEDIUM-INTENSITY FLASHING
WHITE LIGHT SYSTEMS34
8.1 Purpose34
8.2 Installation34
8.3 Operation34
8.4 Control Device34
8.5 Antenna or Similar Appurtenance Light34
8.6 Omission of Marking35
CHAPTER 9. DUAL LIGHTING WITH RED/HIGH-INTENSITY FLASHING WHITE
LIGHT SYSTEMS36
9.1 Purpose36
9.2 Installation36
9.3 Operation36
9.4 Control Device36
9.5 Antenna or Similar Appurtenance Light36
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9.6 Omission of Marking37
CHAPTER 10. AIRCRAFT DETECTION LIGHTING SYSTEMS38
10.1 Purpose38
10.2 General Standards38
CHAPTER 11. MARKING AND LIGHTING OF CATENARY AND CATENARY
SUPPORT STRUCTURES41
11.1 Purpose41
11.2 Lighted Spherical Markers41
11.3 Catenary Marking Standards41
11.4 Catenary Lighting Standards45
11.5 Control Device46
11.6 Area Surrounding Catenary Wire Support Structures47
11.7 Three or More Catenary Wire Support Structures47
CHAPTER 12. MARKING AND LIGHTING MOORED BALLOONS AND KITES48
12.1 Purpose48
12.2 Standards48
12.3 Marking48
12.4 Purpose48
12.5 Operational Characteristics49
CHAPTER 13. MARKING AND LIGHTING WIND TURBINES50
13.1 Purpose50
13.2 General Standards50
13.3 Wind Turbine Configurations50
13.4 Marking Standards51
13.5 Lighting Standards51
13.6 Wind Turbines Above 499 Feet (152.10 m)53
13.7 Wind Turbines at or Above 699 Feet (213.36 m)53
13.8 Lighting of Wind Turbines During Construction Phase54
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13.9 Lighting and Marking of Airborne Wind Turbines54
13.10 Lighting and Marking of Offshore Wind Turbines54
CHAPTER 14. MARKING AND LIGHTING TEMPORARY STRUCTURES55
14.1 Purpose55
14.2 General Standards55
14.3 Marking Standards55
14.4 Lighting Standards56
14.5 Operational Characteristics58
CHAPTER 15. MARKING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND INFORMATION59
15.1 Purpose59
15.2 Paint Standard59
15.3 Availability of Specifications and Advisory Circulars60
15.4 Lights and Associated Equipment Standards60
15.5 Availability of Military Specifications61
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS FOR OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
CLASSIFICATION62
Table A-1. FAA-Approved Obstruction Lighting Fixtures63
Figure A-1. Meteorological Evaluation Tower (MET) Marking Standards
(Monopole Structure)64
Figure A-2. Meteorological Evaluation Tower (MET) Marking Standards (Guyed Structure)65
Figure A-3. Painting and Lighting of Water Towers, Storage Tanks, and Similar Structures66
Figure A-4. Painting and Lighting of Water Towers and Similar Structures67
Figure A-5. Painting a Single Pedestal Water Tower Using the Teardrop Pattern68
Figure A-6. Red Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style A)69
Figure A-7. Dual Lighting of Poles, Towers, and Similar Structures/Lighting and
Painting of Chimneys70
Figure A-8. Bridge Lighting71
Figure A-9. Medium-Intensity White Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style D)72
Figure A-10. Lighting of Chimneys, Flare Stacks, or Similar Solid Structures73
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Figure A-11. Lighting Adjacent Structures—Light Level Adjustment74
Figure A-12. Lighting Adjacent Structures75
Figure A-13. High-Intensity White Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style B)—With
Appurtenance 40 Feet or Less76
Figure A-14. High-Intensity White Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style C)—With
Appurtenance Over 40 Feet High77
Figure A-15. Lighting Hyperbolic Cooling Tower78
Figure A-16. Medium-Intensity Dual Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style E)79
Figure A-17. Medium-Intensity Lighting—Establishing the Location of Top Beacons80
Figure A-18. High-Intensity Dual Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style F)—With
Appurtenance Over 40 Feet High81
Figure A-19. High-Intensity Dual Obstruction Light Standards (FAA Style G)—With
Appurtenance 40 Feet or Less82
Figure A-20. Aircraft Detection Lighting System (sample coverage map)83
Figure A-21. Catenary Unlighted Markers (less than 69 kV)84
Figure A-22. Catenary Markers – Line Spacing (Adjacent Lines Within 200 ft.
(60.96 m) or Less)85
Figure A-23. Catenary Markers - Line Spacing (Adjacent Lines Greater Than 200 ft.
(60.96 m) Away)86
Figure A-24. Catenary Lighted Markers – Used in Conjunction with Unlighted Markers
(69 kV or greater)87
Figure A-25. Catenary Obstruction Lighting88
Figure A-26. Wind Turbine Lighting Configurations89
Figure A-27. Lighting and Marking of Wind Turbines – Paint Schemes90
Figure A-28. Wind Turbine Lighting and Marking in Snow Prone Areas (Optional)91
Figure A-29. Wind Turbine Lighting92
Figure A-30. Marking and Lighting of Turbines During Construction93
Figure A-31. Crawler Crane Marking and Lighting94
Figure A-32. Tower Crane Marking and Lighting95
Figure A-33. Container Crane Marking and Lighting96
AC 70/7460-1M 11/16/2020
APPENDIX B: MISCELLANEOUS97
APPENDIX C: ACRONYMS99
CHAPTER 1. ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL PROCEDURES
1.1 Reporting Requirements.
A Sponsor proposing any type of construction or alteration of a structure that may affect the National Airspace System (NAS) as required under the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 14, Aeronautics and Space, Part 77, Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace (14 CFR, Part 77), is to notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by completing the FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration.
This form should be filed electronically at https://oeaaa.faa.gov. The website includes the FAA Notice Criteria Tool for Sponsors use to determine if the structure exceeds criteria threshold and requires a notice to be filed.
1.2 Preconstruction Notice.
The notice must be submitted:
1. At least 45 days prior to the date of proposed construction or alteration is to begin.
2. On or before the date an application for a construction permit is filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC advises its applicants to file with the FAA well in advance of the 45-day period to expedite FCC processing.
1.3 FAA Acknowledgement.
The FAA will acknowledge, electronically, each FAA Form 7460-1 notice received.
1.4 Supplemental Notice Requirement.
1. If required, the FAA will include a statement requiring the filing of FAA Form 7460-2, Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, on the determination. All FAA Forms 7460- 2 should be filed electronically at https://oeaaa.faa.gov.
2. FAA Form 7460-2, Part 1, must be submitted to the FAA at least ten days prior to starting the actual construction or alteration of a structure. The FAA Form 7460-2, Part 2, completed within five days after the structure has reached its greatest height.
3. In addition, notification of dismantlement or abandonment of construction must be submitted to the FAA using the supplemental notice FAA Form 7460-2.
Note: Notification as required in the determination is critical to aviation safety.
1.5 Modifications and Deviations.
Requests for modification or deviation from the standards outlined in this AC must be submitted to the FAA Obstruction Evaluation Group (OEG). The Sponsor is responsible for adhering to approved marking and/or lighting limitations, and recommendations given, and should notify the FAA and FCC (for those structures regulated by the FCC) prior to making any changes, such as removal of marking and/or lighting. Requests received for any changes after a determination has been issued will require a new aeronautical study and may result in a modified determination, including updated marking and/or lighting recommendations.
1. Modification examples. Modifications will be based on whether they impact aviation safety.
Examples of modifications are as follows:
a. Marking and/or lighting only a portion of an object. The object may be located with respect to other objects or terrain that only a portion of it needs to be marked and/or lighted.
b. No marking and/or lighting. The object may be located with respect to other objects or terrain, removed from the general flow of air traffic, or may be so conspicuous by its shape, size, or color that marking or lighting would serve no useful purpose.
c. Voluntary marking and/or lighting. The object may be located with respect to other objects or terrain that the Sponsor feels increased conspicuity would better serve aviation safety.
Sponsors who desire to voluntarily mark and/or light their structure should do so in accordance with this AC.
d. Marking or lighting an object in accordance with the standards for an object of greater height or size. The object may present such an extraordinary hazard potential that higher standards may be recommended for increased conspicuity to ensure aviation safety.
2. Deviations. The assigned Obstruction Evaluation Specialist will conduct an aeronautical study of the proposed deviation(s) and forward their recommendation to their FAA Team Manager for final approval. Examples of deviations that may be considered:
a. Colors of objects.
b. Dimensions of color bands or rectangles.
c. Colors/types of lights.
d. Basic signals and intensity of lighting.
e. Night/day lighting combinations.
f. Flash rate.
The FAA strongly recommends that owners become familiar with the different types of lighting systems and to specifically request the type of lighting system desired when submitting FAA Form 7460-1. Information regarding types of lighting systems is provided in Chapters 5 - 10, and specifications regarding lighting equipment classifications in Table A-1, in this AC. While the FAA will make every effort to accommodate the structure Sponsor’s request, Sponsors should also request information from system manufacturers to determine which system best meets their needs based on purpose, installation, and maintenance costs.