AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78
14. Colors 11
a. Aviation Red Obstruction Lights 11
b. High Intensity White Obstruction Lights
c. Dual Lighting
d. High Intensity Obstruction Lights - Iwil1ght/Nighttime Only *
15. Application 11 a • Heights
b. Determining Number of Light Levels
c. Adjacent Structures 12 Shielded Lights 12 e • Temporary Warning Lights 12 £ • Nonstandard Lights 13 8• Hazard Areas 13 h • Monitoring of Obstruction Lighting 13
1. Cleaning 14 * k . Lamp Types Notification of Light Failure 14 14 *
1. Interference 14 ™ • Manufacturers 15
n. Systen Reliability 15 Lighting Equipment 15
p. Lighting System(6) Designation 15 CHAPTER 5. RED OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING STANDARDS 17
16. Standards for Lighting Obstructions to Air 17 Navigation with Red Obstruction Lights
a. Flashing Red Beacon 17 * b. Steady Burning Red Obstruction Light 17 *
c. Rated Lamp Voltage
d. Operation of Red Lights
e. Availability of Specifications 18
f. Poles, Towers and Similar Skeletal 18 Structures 8 • Chinneys, Flare Stacks and Similar Solid 20 Structures Prominent Buildings and Similar Extensive 21 Obstructions 1• Alternate Methods of Displaying Obstruction 22 Lights Page vi
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CHAPTER 6. HIGH INTENSITY OBSTRUCTION LIGHTING STANDARDS 23
17. Standards for Lighting Obstructions to Air Navigation with High Intensity White Obstruction Lights 23
a. High Intensity Obstruction Lights C• b. Light Specifications Flashtube Replacements 23 23
d. Installation Guidance 24 e• High Intensity Ligh Units 24 £ • Relocation or Omission of Light Units 25 8 - Chimneys, Flare Stacks and Similar Solid 26 Structures 27
h. Radio and Television Towers and Similar Skeletal Structures 27 j• 1. Hyperbolic Cooling Towers Supporting Structures of Overhead Trans- 27 mission (Catenary) Lines 28
k. Prominent Buildings, Observation Towers and Similar Extensive Obstructions 30 * 1. Twilight/Nighttime Use Only 31 CHAPTER 7. DUAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS 33
18. Dual Lighting Systems 33 CHAPTER 8. MARKING AND LIGHTING OF MOORED BALLOONS AND KITES 35
19. Purpose
20. Application 35
21. Marking 35
a. Display 35
b. Shape 35
c. Color Patterns 35 35
22. Lighting
a. Display 35
b. Light Distribution 35 35
23. Light Control Device
24. Other Federal or Local Government Regulations 36 36 CHAPTER 9. OBSTRUCTION MARKING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT 37
25. Purpose 37 Page vii
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26. Paint 37
a. Colora 37
b. Availability of Specifications 37
27. Lights and Associated Equipment 37
a. Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting System 37
b. High Intensity White Obstruction Lighting 38 Systems
c. Approved Manufacturers 38
d. Installation and Maintenance 38 e • Availability 38
f. Recommended Lamp Equipment 39
ILLUSTRATIONS Page No.
APPENDIX 1.
Figure 1. Types of Obstruction Lights 1 Figure 2. Painting and Lighting of Chimneys, Poles, 2 Towers and Similar Obstructions Figure 3. Painting and Lighting of Water Towers, 3 Storage Tanks and Similar Obstructions Figure 4. Painting and Lighting of Water Towers and 4 Similar Obstructions Figure 5. Painting of Single Pedestal Water Towers 5 by Teardrop Pattern Figure 6. Examples of Installation of High Intensity 6 Obstruction Lights on Chimneys Figure 7. Same as above Figure 8. Same as above Figure 9. Hyperbolic Cooling Tower Figure 10. Bridge Lighting Page viii
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APPENDIX 2.
Standards for Lighting Towers, Chimneys, Poles and Similar Obstructions with Aviation Red Obstruction Lights - Night Figure 1. 150 feet (46m) to 900 feet (275m) AGL 1 Figure 2. 900 feet (275m) to 1,500 feet (458m) AGL 2 Figure 3. 1,500 feet (458m) to 2,100 feet (641m) AGL 3 Standards for Lighting Chimneys and Similar Solid Lights - Day and Light Obstructions with High Intensity White Obstruction Figure 4. 150 feet (46m) to 900 feet (275m) AGL 4 Figure 5. 900 feet (275m) to 1,500 feet (458m) AGL 5 Figure 6. 1,500 feet (458m) to 2,100 feet (641m) AGL 6 Standards for Lighting Towers and Similar Skeletal Obstructions with High Intensity White Obstruction Lights - Day and Might Figure 7. 150 feet (46m) to 900 feet (275m) AGL 7 Figure 8. 900 feet (275m) to 1,500 feet (458m) AGL 8 Figure 9. 1,500 feet (458m) to 2,100 feet (641m) AGL 9 Standards for Lighting Solid and Skeletal Obstructions with Dual Lighting Systeems Figure 10. 150 feet (46m) to 900 feet (275m) AGL 10 Figure 11. 900 feet. (275m) to 1,500 feet (458m) AGL Figure 12. 1,500 feet (458m) to 2,100 feet (641m) AGL 12 rage ix
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1• PURPOSE. To describe recommended standards for the marking and lighting of obstructions as official FAA policy.
OBJECTIVE. To provide the most effective means of indicating the presence of. obstructions to pilots, in accordance with the Administrator's statutory responsibility for promoting safety in air conmerce.
3. FEDERAL COMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIFICATIONS. The specifications for obstruction marking and lighting antenna structures contained in Part 17 of the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations are identical with the standards contained in this publication.
Chap. 1 Par. 1 378-778 0 - 78 - 2 Page 1 (and 2)
CHAPTER 2. GENERAL, RECOMMENDATIONS 4• OBJECTS TO BE MARKED AND LIGHTED. When any object or portion thereof, site level or any standard for determining obstructions set forth in either temporary or permanent, exceeds a height of 200 feet (61m) above that the absence of such marking and/or lighting will not impair safety as lights, rods, antennas, etc. to air navigation. The overall height includes all appurtenances such (14 CFR 77), that object should be marked and lighted exactly in Section 77.13 or Subpart C of Part 77 of the Federal Aviation Regulations be nost conspicuous. An FAA aeronautical study, however, may determine accordance with the applicable standards described herein in order to
5. DEVIATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS. After an initial determination is made that an object should be marked and lighted, a further determination may be made on whether the marking and lighting can be modified or a deviation from the standards permitted. The final determination for acceptable level of safety is achieved. a modification or deviation must be based on a study showing that an Modifications. Modifications may be recommended when, in the opinion of the FAA Regional Director or his designee conducting the study, the proposed modification would provide adequate protection for air commerce. Some examples of modifications are:
Marking and/or lighting only a portion of an object.
The object may be located with respect to other objects or terrain so that application of the specific marking or lighting standards need be applied to only a portion No marking and/or 11ghting. The object may be so located with respect to other objects or terrain, so removed from the general flow of air traffic, or go conspicuous would serve no useful purpose. by its shape, size or color that marking or lighting
(3) Marking or lighting an object in accordance with the standards for an object of greater height or size.
The object may present such a potential hazard that higher standards are recommended to ensure the safety of air navigation.
(4) Other similar situations• Chap. 2 Par. 4 Page 3
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b. Deviations. Deviations may be permitted with the coordinated approval of the Director, Air Traffic Service. Some examples of deviations are changes in:
(1) Basic signals and intensity.
(2) Flashing rates.
(3) Dimensions of color bands or rectangles.
(4) Colors, etc.
Chap. 2 Page 4 Par. 5
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F CHAPTER 3. MARKING PURPOSE. The purpose of marking a structure is to warn airmen of its be necessary to color the structure or indicate its presence by use of presence during daylight hours. To accomplish this objective, it may
7. OMISSION OF STANDARD MARKING. When high intensity lighting systems are and position of the sun relative to direction of flight. red obstruction lights may be omitted. The high intensity lighting systems and white paint and may therefore be recommended in lieu of standard marking. This is particularly true under certain ambient light conditions are considered to be far more effective than the aviation surface orange employed in accordance with the standards contained herein, the marking of structures with standard aviation surface orange and white paint and
8. 595, color, as follows: COLORS. Maximum visibility of an obstruction by contrast in colors can best be obtained by the use of aviation surface orange and white paint. Orange or white enamel paint may be used for marking, provided its chromaticity and luminance factors satisfy Federal Standards FED-STD Orange. Number 12197 (Aviation Surface Orange).
b. White. Number 17875 (Aviation White).
*9. PAINTING. The specifications of surface colors apply only to freshly be used as a criteria for determining when repainting is necessary. aviation surface orange paint is not a good indication and should not surfaces. Therefore, examination of the ground or bottom band of to some extent from direct sunshine, blowing sand and sleet, and other atmospheric and environmental elements that tend to deteriorate painted portion of structures situated in wooded or sheltered areas are protected is available for determining when repainting is necessary. The lower tiveness is impaired by scaling or chipping. A color tolerance chart should be repainted whenever the color changes noticeably or its effec- time. While it is not feasible to require strict maintenance, surfaces painted surfaces. Paints used for surface markings usually change with * with the manufacturer's recommendations as appropriate for the paint to be used and surface to be coated. mental service conditions to which it will be subjected. Surface preparation and paint application should be accomplished in accordance coatings on the surfaces if any, as well as suitable for the environ- Materials and Application. Quality paint materials should be selected to be compatible with the surfaces to be painted, including previous Chap. 3 Par. 6 Page 5
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78 b - Surfaces Not Requiring Paint. If the smooth surface of paint on the ladders, decks and walkways of certain types of steel towers and similar structures presents a potential danger to maintenance personnel, such surfaces need not be painted. Care should be taken the painting or the act of painting certain precision or critical so the overall marking effect of the painting is not reduced. Where or radiation characteristics of a radio frequency signal, such painting may be omitted. surfaces would have an adverse effect on the desired transmission Skeletal Structures. Paint should be applied to all surfaces, both inner and outer, of the framework in order to be effective. This applies to the supporting structures of overhead transmission lines as well as radio, television and similar skeletal structures.
10. PATTERNS. Patterns of various types are used to mark obstructions to air navigation. Normally, the size and shape of the obstruction will determine the pattern to be used.
a. Solid Pattern. An obstruction the projection of which on any vertical plane has both dimensions less than 10.5 feet (3.2m), should be colored aviation surface orange.
Alternate Bands of Orange and White. Alternate bands of aviation surface orange and white are normally displayed on the following structures:
(1) Radio and television towers and supporting structures of overhead transmission lines (see paragraph 11.a).
(2) Poles.
(3) Smokestacks.
(4) Skeletal framework of storage tanks and similar structures.
(5) Structures which appear narrow from a side view.
(a) Width of Bands. The width of bands for structures of any height should be equal, provided that each band has a width of not more than 100 feet (3lm) nor less than one and one-half feet (0.5m). The bands should be perpendicular to the vertical axis of the obstruction with the bands at each end colored orange. The width of each band for structures as high as 700 feet (214m) above ground level (AGL) should be approxinately one-seventh of the Page 6 Chap. 3 Par. 9
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F height of the structure. Higher structures should each additional 200 feet (61m) of height, or fraction be painted an additional orange and white band for thereof, with the width of all bands equal and in pro- portion to the structure's height above ground level. For example, if a structure is:
Greater Than But Not Exceeding Band Width
10.5 feet (3.2m) 700 feet (214m) 1/7 of height of structure 700 feet (214m) 900 feet (275m) 1/9 of height of structure 900 feet (275m) 1,100 feet (336m) 1/11 of height of structure 1,100 feet (336m) 1,300 feet (397m) 1/13 of height of structure If the top of the structure has a cover or roof, the top orange band should be continued to cover the entire top of the structure. If the object under study is a flagpole, skeletal structure or similar object erected on top of a building, the combined height of the object and building will determine whether marking is recommended; however, only the height of the object under study determines the width of the color bands.
(b) Partial Marking. If marking is recommended on only a portion of a structure because of shielding by other upper portion of the structure. determined by the overall height of the structure. A minimum of three bands should be displayed on the objects or terrain, the width of the bands should be Checkerboard Pattern. Checkerboard patterns of alternate rectangles of aviation surface orange and white are normally displayed on:
(1) Water, gas and grain storage tanks, excluding skeletal framework.
(2) Buildings.
(3) Structures which appear broad from a side view, such as structures having a horizontal dimension 10.5 feet (3.2m) or greater and this horizontal dimension is equal to or greater than the vertical dimension.
Chap. 3 Par. 10 Page 7
AC 70/7460-1F 9/27/78
(a) Size of Rectangles. The sides of the checkerboard rectangles should measure not less than five feet
(1.5m) nor more than 20 feet (6m). However, if it 18 impracticable because of the size or shape of a structure the rectangle may have sides less than five feet (1.5m), provided their dimensions remain as close as practicable to the five-foot (1.5m) minimum. When possible, corner surfaces should be colored orange to color the roof of a structure in a checkerboard pattern, such roof may be colored orange. If part or all of a spherical shaped structure does not permit the exact application of a checkerboard pattern, then the shape of the new rectangles may be modified to fit the shape of the spherical surface.
Exceptions, If the type construction of storage tanks does not permit coloring by a checkerboard pattern, then such obstructions should be colored by alternate bands of orange and white, or a limited checkerboard pattern applied to the upper one-third of the structure, provided an aeronautical study indicates that the modified marking will provide adequate protection for air navigation.
Teardrop Pattern. Spherical shaped water storage tanks with a single circular standpipe support may be colored in a teardrop striped pattern, as shown in Appendix 1, Fig. 5. The tank should be colored to show alternate stripes of aviation surface orange and white. The stripes should extend from the top center of the tank to its supporting standpipe.
(1) Width of Stripes. The width of the stripes should be equal and the width of each stripe at the greatest girth of the tank should not be less than five feet (1.5m) nor more than 15 feet (4. 6m) •
(2) Community Name. If it is desirable to paint the name of the community on the side of the tank, the stripe pattern may be broken to serve this purpose. This open area should have a maximum height of three feet (0.9m).
Chap. 3 Page 8 Par. 10
9/27/78 AC 70/7460-1F in conspicuous positions on or adjacent to the obstructions so as to be used to provide protection for air commerce. They should be displayed MARKERS. Markers should be used to mark obstructions when it has been determined that it is impracticable to mark such obstructions by paint- retain the general definition of the obstruction. and white colors when it has been determined that such markings should ing. Markers may also be used in addition to aviation surface orange nizable in clear air from a distance of at least 1,000 feet (305m) in They should be recoghazard they mark is not increased. used to convey other information. be distinctively shaped so they are not mistaken for markers that are all directions from which an aircraft is likely to approach. They should The shape should be such that the
a. Spherical Markers. by a spherical marker. overhead wires. jected area of such markers will not be less than that presented "Markers may be of another shape, provided the pro- Spherical markers are normally displayed on
(1) Display. At least one such marker should be displayed at equal intervals for each 150 feet (46m), or fraction thereot, of the overall length of the overhead line and not lower than the highest wire. The distance between markers may factors to be distributed. spacing standard. This allows the weight and wind loading long as the distance between adjacent spheres meets the spheres may be installed alternately along each wire as overhead wire on which the spheres can be installed, the be increased to not more than 600 feet. (183m) when the from the nearest landing area. Where there is more than one overhead wires are located more than 15,000 feet (4,575m)
(2) Size and Color. The diameter of the markers should not be less than 20 inches (5lcm) and should be colored aviation orange.
b. Flag Markers. Flags may be used to mark obstructions when it has technically impracticable. been determined that the use of coloring or spherical markers is
(1) Die last Pioner are (15m) apart. Display. Flag markers should be displayed around, on top of obstructions, they should be displayed approximately 50 feet used to mark extensive obstructions or closely grouped the obstruction or around its highest edge. When flags are
(2) be of such strength and height that they will support the flags free of the ground, vegetation or nearby surfaces. to keep them from drooping in calm wind. The flag stakes should Shape. Flags should be rectangular in shape and have stiffeners Chap. 3 Par. 11 Page 9