An aviation warning beacon is helpful in informing pilots what lies ahead of their flight path. Basically, certain structures that pilots should beware of when flying include broadcast transmission masts, tall buildings and other landscape features that could cause obstruction. Without these beacons, flying will not only be a challenge but also a great hazard. This makes it necessary for all to comply with FAA regulations about installation of such warning signs.
Some regulations govern installation of aircraft signal beacons. As mentioned earlier, FAA and other stakeholders require every structure which is 200 feet tall to be properly marked using these lights. In addition, structures around the airport may also call for proper marking even if they are not 200 feet tall. This makes such objects visible to the pilot and he or she can make proper decision to avoid accidents. These lights are not only used during the night but also at daytime.
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.
In most cases, the red lights are used at night in urban areas. This is because they are easy to spot them from above. On the other hand, xenon flashers are suitable during day time in rural areas. Though sometimes the white xenon flashers can be found in urban areas, they are not suitable for densely populated places at as they blend with background lighting making them hard to notice. This increases chances of an aircraft accident.
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.
Those installing the lights should have proper training and experience in the field. A professional in this area will come up with designs that fit the set standards. Besides, they will give proper guidance to their clients and comply with the set regulations when erecting the beacons.
The poles or masts on which these lights are installed should also be painted with aircraft warning paints. This is red and white paint applied to any mast above 200 feet tall, or any antenna tower near the airports. However, the requirement may vary from state to state.
It is crucial to point out that the lights are not helpful to pilots only but passengers too. From the air plane, passengers can clearly see these beacons, something that makes them feel safer. Flying around tall buildings could be scary and uncomfortable. Only proper visibility of any possible obstruction will encourage passengers making them feel at ease. This way, they can enjoy their flight.
Some regulations govern installation of aircraft signal beacons. As mentioned earlier, FAA and other stakeholders require every structure which is 200 feet tall to be properly marked using these lights. In addition, structures around the airport may also call for proper marking even if they are not 200 feet tall. This makes such objects visible to the pilot and he or she can make proper decision to avoid accidents. These lights are not only used during the night but also at daytime.
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.
In most cases, the red lights are used at night in urban areas. This is because they are easy to spot them from above. On the other hand, xenon flashers are suitable during day time in rural areas. Though sometimes the white xenon flashers can be found in urban areas, they are not suitable for densely populated places at as they blend with background lighting making them hard to notice. This increases chances of an aircraft accident.
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.
Those installing the lights should have proper training and experience in the field. A professional in this area will come up with designs that fit the set standards. Besides, they will give proper guidance to their clients and comply with the set regulations when erecting the beacons.
The poles or masts on which these lights are installed should also be painted with aircraft warning paints. This is red and white paint applied to any mast above 200 feet tall, or any antenna tower near the airports. However, the requirement may vary from state to state.
It is crucial to point out that the lights are not helpful to pilots only but passengers too. From the air plane, passengers can clearly see these beacons, something that makes them feel safer. Flying around tall buildings could be scary and uncomfortable. Only proper visibility of any possible obstruction will encourage passengers making them feel at ease. This way, they can enjoy their flight.
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