9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F CHAPTER 6. HIGH INTENSITY OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING STANDARDS
17. STANDARDS FOR LIGHTING OBSTRUCTIONS TO AIR NAVIGATION WITH HIGH INTENSITY WHITE OBSTRUCTION LIGHTS. The general standards which follow apply to the obstruction lighting of structures with capacitor discharge obstruction lighting systems. The overall height of a structure including all appurtenances such as rods, antennas, obstruction lighting, etc., are used to determine whether the object is an obstruction to air navigation However, the overall height of the main structure excluding all appur- in accordance with FAR, Part 77, Objects Affecting the Navigable Airspace.
tenances, is used to determine the number of light levels recommended on a structure. In addition, a white omnidirectional beacon should be displayed on the highest portion of any antenna or other appurtenance, exceeding 20m feet (6m) supported by the main structure. These standards do not require modification of the marking and lighting on existing structures; however, the FAA may recommend that marking and lighting displayed on an existing structure be modified if that structure is altered or
a. High Intensity Obstruction Light. The lighting systems referred to sions of the latest issuance of FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-43, in the following standards should conform with the applicable provi- FAA/DOD Specification I-856, High Intensity Obstruction Lighting Systems.
Light Specifications. The following are the basic recommended standards for high intensity obstruction lighting systems applied to structures. However, the intensity, flash rate, sequence and placement of lights units are unique in the case of supporting structures of overhead transmission lines. (See paragraph 17.j.)
(1) Effective Intensity. Day Mode - no less than 200,000 candelas (100,000 candelas for transmission line supporting structures);
approximately 4,000 candelas. twilight mode - approxinately 20,000 candelas; night mode -
(2) Intensity Step Changing. The systems should automatically vertical surface is as follows: change intensity steps when the north sky illumination on a
(a) Pium Tion drops Day-to-Twilight. This should not occur before the 11lumination drops to 60 footcandles (645.8 lux), but should occur before its drops below 30 footcandles (322.9 lux). The 11luminance sensing device should, if practical, face the north sky.
(b) Twilight-to-Night. This should not occur before the 1llumination drops to five footcandles (53.8 lux), but 1ux) • should occur before it drops below two footcandles (21.5 Chap. 6 Par. 17 Page 23
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78
(c) Night to Day• above should be reversed in transitioning from the night to day mode. The intensity changes listed in (a) and (b)
(3) Flash Rate. All light units should flash simultaneously at 40 unique sequencing of catenary systems.) pulses per minute. (See paragraph 17.j. for flash rate and
(5) daylight and reduce in intensity to the night mode simultaneously with the remainder of the system. This appurtenance light should only be used as an adjunct to the high intensity lighting in synchronism with the high intensity lighting system, be of approximately the same intensity as the twilight mode during appurtenances• directional white light, similar in size to the 300mm red flashing beacon, for installation on top of antennas or similar the high intensity lighting system provide for a small omni- Antenna or Similar Appurtenance Light. The specifications for fied to provide full light intensity at possible collision altitudes above the structure will receive only stray light. altitudes with the structure while persons on the ground or at Beam Spread. A relatively narrow vertical beam spread is speci- This light should operate 24 hours a day, flash
d. to the horizontal. at the bottom. The top light should normally remain at zero degrees each light may be adjusted upward, in one degree increments, starting zontal) as shown below. If additional adjustments are necessary, dents. Should elevating the light beam be necessary, it is recommended that the beam be elevated (in degrees above the hori- miles (5km) from the structure to prevent irritation to nearby resi- the light beam above the horizontal. The beam of the light at the lower level should not strike the ground closer than three statute situations dictate, it may be desirable to use louvers and/or elevate degrees elevation. Where terrain, nearby residential areas or other installation would be for all light units to be installed at zero ment from zero to eight degrees above the horizontal. The normal Installation Guidance. The manufacturing specifications provide for the peak intensity of the light beam to be capable of angular adjust- Flashtube Replacements. The flashtubes in a light unit should be supporting structures of overhead transmission lines). 200,000 candelas (100,000 candelas for systems installed on the replaced when the peak effective daytime intensity falls below Page 24 Chap. 6 Par. 17
Level of Number of Levels of Lights Installed Light 2 Top 5 4
- 1
- 2 2 1 2 2 2 BOTTOM - 2 2 3 3 Figures indicate degrees of elevation above the horizontal.
High Intensity Light Units. The high intensity capacitor discharge light units known to date which meet the FAA/DOD Specification L-856 are not omidirectional, except for the light used on antennas or for 360 degrees of coverage about a structure to ensure that the than one light unit is required in order to obtain 200,000 candelas similar appurtenances. See paragraph 17 b.(5). Therefore, more system is visible from aircraft at any normal angle of approach.
(1) Numbers of Levels of Lights. The number of levels of lights used is dependent upon the overall height of the structure above ground level. The lights should be installed at the similar solid structures. On structures having an antenna levels indicated in Appendix 2, Figs. 4-6, for chimneys and or similar appurtenance extending more than 20 feet (6m) above the main structure, such as a radio or television antenna, the lights should be installed at the levels indicated in Appendix 2, Figs. 7-9. The light levels reommended for other structures, i,e., cooling towers, supporting structures of catenaries and buildings, may be found under the appropriate
(2) Number of Light Units Per Level. The number of light units recommended per level (except for the supporting structures of transmission lines and buildings) is dependent upon the average outside diameter of the specific structure:
(a) Structures 20 Feet (6m) or Less. Three light units per level.
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AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78
(b) Structures Exceeding 20 Feet (6m) But Not More Than 100 Feet (31m)• Four light units per level.
(c) Structures Exceeding 100 Feet (31m) But Not More Than 200 Feet (61m). Six light units per level.
(₫) Structures Exceeding 200 Feet (61m). Eight light units per level.
Relocation or Omission of Light Units. Light units should not be installed in such a manner or elevation on a structure that the intended purpose would be derogated.
(1) Lowest Level. The lowest level of light units may be installed at a higher elevation than normal for the height of the structure if the lights, by installing them at the prescribed elevation, would be lower than surrounding terrain, trees or adjacent building(s). See Appendix 1, Fig. 7. In certain instances, as determined by an FAA aeronautical study, the elimination of the lowest level may be permissible.
Two Adjacent Structures. Where two structures are situated within 200 feet (61m) of each other and the light units will be installed at the same levels, the sides of the structures facing each other need not be lighted; therefore, the inboard lights may be eliminated. However, all lights on both structures must flash in synchronism. Minor adjustments in the vertical placement of the lights to either or both of the structure's intermediate levels of lights may be made in order to place the lights on the same horizontal plane. Where one structure is higher than the other, complete level(s) of lights should be installed on that part of the higher structure which extends above the top of the lower structure. If the structures are of such heights that the levels of lights cannot be placed in 1dentical horizontal planes, then the light units should be placed such that the center of the horizontal beam patterns do not face toward the adjacent structure. For example, structures situated north and south of each other should have the light units on both structures installed on a northwest/ Figs. 6, 7 and 8. southeast and northeast/southwest orientation. See Appendix 1, Three or More Adjacent Structures. The treatment of a cluster of structures as individual structures or a complex will be spacing between structures. determined by the FAA as the result of an aeronautical study, taking into consideration the structure's location, heights and Page 26 Chap. 6 Par. 17
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F level of lights may be installed from five (1.5m) to 10 feet (3m) Normally, the top level of light units are installed on the highest deposits generally emitted by this type structure. below the top. This is to avoid the obscurant effects of the point of a structure. However, in the case of chimneys, the top viewing of the system from aircraft at any normal angle of approach. Chimneys, Flare Stacks and Similar Solid Structures. The number of The light units should be installed in a manner to ensure unobstructed units recommended for each level is dependent on the outside dia- meter of the structure but should in no case be less than three. levels of lights recommended depends on the height of the structure and may be obtained from Appendix 2, Figs. 4-6. The amount of light h• Radio and Television Towers and Similar Skeletal Structures.
in a manner to ensure unobstructed viewing from aircraft at any normal angle of approach. Mounting of Lights. The number of levels recommended depends on the height of the structure, excluding antennas and similar At least three lights should be installed on each level and mounted so that the effective intensity over the full beam is not impaired by the structural members, They should be mounted appurtenances, and may be obtained from Appendix 2, Figs. 7-9.
(2) the light units. Ice Shields. Where climatic conditions dictate, metal grates or similar protective ice shields should be installed directly over each light unit to prevent falling ice accumulation from damaging
(3) Top Level of Lights. One level of lights should be installed at unobscured viewing of at least one beacon, be installed adjacent to the appurtenance and to a height within 20 feet (6m) of the tip of the appurtenance so as to permit If the appurtenance (such as a whip antenna) is incapable of supporting the omnidirectional light, one or more beacons should 20 feet (6m) above the main structure, a white capacitor discharge omnidirectional light should be mounted on the highest point. the main skeletal structure. If the rod or antenna is more than
(4) shown in Appendix 2, Figs. 7-9. Intermediate Levels of Lights. The intermediate levels of lights should be installed at approximately the same heights
1. Hyperbolic Cooling Towers.
(1) Mounting of Obstruction Lights. The light units should be Chap. 6 least two lights from aircraft at any normal angle of approach. installed in a manner to ensure unobstructed visibility of at Par. 17 Page 27
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78 More than one light unit should be visible to provide the required intensity about the structure and to indicate to pilots the magnitude of the structure.
(2) Top Level of Obstruction Lights. The number of light units recommended depends on the diameter of the structure at the top• See paragraph 17.e.(2).
(3) Structures Exceeding 600 Feet (183m) AGL. Structures greater than 600 feet (183m) AGL should have one additional level of light units installed approximately mid-point on the structure and in line with the top level of lights.
j. Supporting Structures of Overhead Transmission (Catenary) Lines.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of marking the supporting structures of overhead transmission lines with a unique, sequentially flashing lighting system is to warn pilots of the presence of the support catenary line. structures themselves and to alert pilots that they support a
(2) Mounting of Obstruction Lights. A system of three levels of sequentially flashing light units should be installed on each supporting structure (or adjacent terrain) of an overhead transmission line. One level should be installed at the top of the structure, one at the height of the lowest point in the catenary, and one level at approximately midway between the other two lights. The middle level should normally be a minimum of 50 feet (15m) from the other two levels. If the installation of the top level of lights presents a potential danger to maintenance personnel, or is necessary for lightning protection, such lights may be mounted from five (1.5m) to 10 feet (3m) below the highest point of the structure.
(a) Flash Sequence. The flash sequence should be middle level, top level and bottom level with all lights on the same level flashing simultaneously. The time delay between flashes of the levels is designed to present a unique system display similar to a flash of lightning.
(Б) Flash Rate. Each series of flashes is repeated 60 times every minute.
(o) rest de not Synchronization. Although desirable, the corresponding light levels on associated supporting towers of a catenary crossing need not flash simultaneously.
Page 28 Chap. 6 Far. 17
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F Horizontal Coverage. Two or more light units should be on the transmission line. Where a catenary crossing is plane such as to provide 180 degrees of coverage centered installed at each light level and directed on a horizontal transmission lines. vide the most effective light coverage to warn pilots approaching from either direction of the presence of the situated near a bend in a river, canyon, etc., the direction of the horizontal beam pattern should be directed to pro- Variation. The vertical and horizontal arrangments of in the span. is higher than the lowest point in the catenary, such as on the adjacent terrain at the level of the lowest point a canyon crossing, one or more lights should be installed 20 percent from uniform spacing of the bottom and middle light is allowed. If the base of the supporting structure(s) the lights may be subject to the structural limits of the towers and/or adjacent terrain and a tolerance of Special Cases. Where lighting systems are installed on sup- should not derogate the intended purpose of the lighting horizontal light direction may be necessary. This adjustment In these cases, shielding or an adjustment to the vertical or vessel operators or pilots on an approach to an airport. airport approach areas, etc., caution should be exercised to ensure that the lights do not cause a hazard to motorists, porting structures located near vehicular bridges, waterways, So section lagre Area Surrounding Support Structures. The area in the immediate could interfere with the line-of-sight between a pilot and vicinity of the base of the supporting structures should be cleared of all structures and objects of natural growth that Omission of Standard Marking. When the high intensity obstruc- tion lighting system is used to identify a catenary line crossing, the following marking and lighting may be omitted:
(a) Markers. Spherical markers on the lines.
(b) Paint. The marking of the supporting structures for the system. surface area having the same exposure covered by this lighting chap. 6 Red Obstruction Lights. The installation of red obstruction lights on the supporting structures serving the same exposure covered by the high intensity obstruction lighting system.
Par. 17 276-776 0 - 78 - 4 Page 29
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78 Total Elimination of Marking and Red Obstruction Lights.
Transmission line supporting structures having a catenary extending in one direction only and obstruction lighted as outlined under paragraph 17.j.(2) may omit the standard marking and red obstruction lighting provided:
(a) Top Level. At least three light units are installed on the top level and situated so as to provide 360 degrees coverage about the structure. Four lights should be used if any light is installed more than 20 feet (6m) from another light on the top level. In addition, four light units may be required to effectively cover the approach to the structure dependent upon the beam pattern of the light unit and possible directions of approach. In certain situations, it may be desirable to have three lights on the top level of one supporting structure and four on the companion structure to provide adequate obstruction simultaneously. lighting coverage. All lights on this level flash
(b) Middle Level. Structures exceeding 500 feet (150m) above ground, or water if so situated, have at least three light units installed at the middle level to provide 360 degrees coverage.
Flash Sequence. The vertical levels of lights flash sequentially; the lights at each level flash simultaneously.
Three or More Supporting Structures. Where a transmission line crossing requires three or more supporting structures, the inner structures should be equipped with three or four light units per level to provide 360 degrees coverage. The number will depend upon the beam pattern of the particular manufacturer's light and the area desired to be covered as determined by the possible directions of approach. Four lights should be used if any light is installed more than 20 feet (6m) from another light on any level. Structures equipped with a lighting system providing 360 degrees of coverage about the structure may delete the standard marking and red obstruction lighting system.
Prominent Buildings, Observation Towers and Similar Extensive at the highest portion or edge of the obstruction, on the same Obstructions. Prominent obstructions should have lights installed horizontal plane and provide 360 degrees of coverage about the obstruction. They should be installed in a manner to indicate the extent of the obstruction and to ensure unobstructed visibility of at least two light units from aircraft at any normal angle of approach.
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(1) If the obstruction is not more than 200 feet (6lm) in either horizontal dimension, there should be installed at the highest portion of the structure three or more light units in a manner to ensure that at least one light is visible from aircraft at units are placed nore than 20 feet (6m) from a central point, pedestal at or near the center of the obstruction. If the light a minimum of four light units should be used. any normal angle of approach. They may be mounted on a single If the obstruction is more than 200 feet (6lm) in one horitwo light units should be placed on each of the shorter sides. These light units may either be installed adjacent to each other zontal dimension, but not more than 200 feet (61n) in the other, corners or fron each other. intervals not to exceed a distance of 100 feet (3lm) from the units should be installed along the overall length of the major axis. These lights should be installed at approximately equal at the mid-point of the edge of the obstruction or at or near each corner and directed horizontally such as to give 180 degrees of coverage to each end of the obstruction. One or more light
(3) If the obstruction is more than 200 feet (61m) in both hori- zontal dimensions, there should be installed one light unit for each 100 feet (31m) or fraction thereof of the overall perimeter of the obstruction.
* Twilight/Nighttime Use Only. Structures may be obstruction marked with a white high intensity beacon for twilight/nighttime only determines that a modification may be made. provided the following conditions are met or an aeronautical study
(1) Height. The structure is not less than 250 feet (76m) AGL.
(2) Painting. The structure is painted in accordance with Chapter 3 and 4 for daytime marking.
(3) Appendix 2, Fig. 4-6. The lowest light level should not be less than 250 feet (76m) AGL. Levels. The number of levels of beacons may be obtained from highest point of the structure in a manner to ensure unobstructed viewing to an aircraft at any normal angle of approach. Top Beacon. At least one beacon should be installed at the
(5) manner to ensure unobstructed viewing from an aircraft at any normal angle of approach. Intermediate Levels. These beacons should be mounted in a Chap. 6 rar. 17 Page 31
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78 * (7) (6) Flashtube Replacement. paragraphs 17 a, b(3) and appropriate portions of 17b.(1), (2). replaced when the peak effective twilight intensity falls below 15,000 candelas. Operational Characteristics. The beacon should conform to The flashtubes in a light unit should be * Page 32 Chap. 6 Par. 17
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F CHAPTER 7. DUAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS
18. DUAL LIGHT SYSTEMS. Red (nighttime) and high intensity white specified in Appendix 2, Figs. 10-12. for red obstruction lights. The lights should be installed as adjusted, if necessary, to coincide with the nearest platform used in Chapter 4, 5 and 6. The light units should be installed as though lights recommended for the high intensity lighting systems may be each system was the only system being used. However, the levels of mendations. lights for daytime obstruction lighting precludes the painting recom- white lighting systems at night. The use of the high intensity white conditions when it might not be feasible to operate the high intensity (daytime) obstruction lighting systems may be utilized under certair The systems should be installed and operated as specified Chap.
ar. 18 Page 33 (and 34)
9/27/78 ÁC 70/7460-1F CHAPTER 8. MARKING AND LIGHTING OF MOORED BALLOONS AND KITES
19. PURPOSE. To describe marking and lighting standards for moored balloons from any normal angle of approach. and kites for the purpose of indicating to airmen the general definition of these objects and to warn pilots of their presence when converging APPLICATION. This chapter pertains to all moored balloons and kites which require marking and lighting under Part 101 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
21. mooring lines to warn airmen of their presence during daylight hours. MARKING. Pennant, streamers or similar type markers should be used on * we shout d a. Display. Markers should be displayed at not more than 50-foot (15m) intervals beginning at 150 feet (46m) above the surface of the earth and should be visible for at least one mile.
b. Shape. Markers should be rectangular in shape and not less than two feet (0.6m) on a side. Stiffeners should be used in the borders to prevent drooping in calm wind, wrapping around the cable, and to expose a large area in light air.
c. Color Patterns. One of the following color patterns should be used:
(1) Solid Color. Aviation surface orange.
orange and the other of white, combined to form a rectangle. Orange and White. Two triangular sections, one of aviation 220 LIGHTING. High intensity white flashing lights should be used on moored that lights meeting the L-856 specifications be used.) balloons or kites and their mooring lines to warn airmen of their pre- on continuously. sence during the hours between sunset and sunrise or, they may remain Xenon type lights are acceptable. (It is not intended
a. Display. Flashing lights should be displayed on the top, nose length for each 350 feet (107m) or fraction thereof. Additional lights should be equally spaced along the cable's overall (4.6m) below the craft so as to define the extremes of size and shape. section, tail section and on the tether cable approximately 15 feet Light Distribution. The intensity of each light should be approxi- mately 1,000, and preferably 1,500, effective candelas at every the vertical plane) with a flash rate of 40 pulses per minute. point in the horizontal plane (and a minimum of two degrees in Chap. 8 Par. 19 Page 35