24 février 2015

The Need For An Aviation Warning Beacon

By Olivia Cross


An aviation warning beacon comes in handy in advising pilots about tall objects that lie along the flight path. Any low flying aircraft will find such information helpful as it will deter collision. Several structures such as broadcast transmission masts, tall buildings and other landscape features above 200 feet high should have these lights installed. Without the warning lights, flying would be hazardous. Besides, FAA regulations call for proper installation of the beacons on the said objects.

It is important to note that there are set requirements for installation of aircraft warning lights. For once, any structure at least 200 feet above the ground should have such warning lights installed. Those structures near the airport may require such lights regardless of their height. This way, pilots can actually see from far that there is an obstruction ahead so that they could make decisions in good time. The lights are used both during the day and at night.

Two main colors for aircraft signal lights exist. There are the red lamps which usually turn on and off in a sequence of few seconds or are continuously illuminated. They could also be xenon discharge flashers which are white in color. However, today beacons come in a variety of colors such as amber, green, blue and yellow. The beacon will have such lights in different codes depending on the kind of airport or the message being passed.

Red lights are suitable for use at night especially in urban areas due to their high visibility. Their intensity makes them easy for the pilot to notice from above. The white xenon flashers come in handy for rural areas or urban centers during the day. However, their use in urban areas is limited to low density population areas since they easily merge with background lighting in densely populated places and become hard to spot. This increases the risk of collision in planes.

Development in technology has led to increase in tall structures. This also leads to increased use for the aircraft signal lights. Having such lights properly installed in any tall structure will help prevent unnecessary collisions. Besides, this is one way to comply with aviation regulations.

Aviation signal beacons should be installed by properly trained and experienced technicians. Only professionals can create proper designs of these lights that will match the set standards. Such professionals will also guide their clients in acquisition and installation of the beacons so as to comply fully with FAA regulations.

Aircraft signal signs also include special paints applied on the masts or antenna towers hosting the beacons. Antenna towers around the airport will also need to be painted even if they are lower than 200 feet. However, not all states have this requirement for their airports.

It is important to note that such lights are helpful to flight passengers too. Since the signal lights are highly visible, they will help reassure passengers. Flying over tall obstacles could be greatly scary. This means that pilots as well as passengers require something to indicate possible risky objects for them to feel at ease. In this case, aircraft signal lights come in handy in making flying a safe and comfortable experience.




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