Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Obstruction Lighting Is An Essential Part Of Preventing Aviation Collisions

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By Cornelia White


Aviation obstruction lighting first appeared on tall structures of various kinds in the 1930s. With the advent of frequent nighttime flights, it soon became an absolute necessity. In order to protect the lives of pilots, essential equipment and ground personnel, systems were put into place. Since then, strict rules, enforced regulations and effective methods continue to be developed to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Essentially, obstruction illumination simply involves signal lights to deter collisions between planes and numerous objects on the earth. For instance, television, cell phone and radio towers are intended to be more noticeable through the employment of devices that produce high-intensity illumination. While these illumination systems are most prominent when used during the night, they will also be utilized on many taller structures throughout the daytime too.

While people on the ground may normally not give it much thought, there are a multitude of hazardous objects that pilots must contend with on a daily basis. In addition to communications towers, there are various other objects that need to be avoided including overly tall buildings, industrial chimney smokestacks and wind turbines. Even some smaller structures require lights when near airports where airplanes fly very low.

Many of the guidelines for usage are developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization. In general, their standards are acknowledged in most countries around the globe. With a system of consistent regulations, it is much simpler to enforce compliance, protect public safety and prevent dangerous collisions. By implementing the same sets of procedures internationally, the potential for confusion is significantly reduced.

For many years, various unique light systems have been developed. The style of system used can vary extensively, based on each individual application. Some obstacles may simply require one solitary beacon lamp. It usually is appropriate for bigger hazards to be fitted with several lights positioned in specific layouts. Quite often, a pilot can determine the specific type, along with the height, of a potentially hazardous object.

These signal beacon devices can be powered by a multitude of light sources. In the past few years, LED technologies have been applied widely throughout the aviation warning industry. Nevertheless, some facilities still depend on lamps which include metal halide, high pressure sodium or common incandescent types. At any rate, they are all exclusively designed to ensure sufficient reliability, high intensity and adequate longevity.

Traditionally, these beacons will be either red or white. The color is normally determined by a combination of factors that will include overall height, structure type and particular location. A white light may not be recommended in certain urban locations, due to the fact that it may blend with commercial and residential background sources. However, they are often used extensively in rural settings.

It is a prerequisite for high structures to possess obstruction lighting that is compliant to standardized regulations. The standards are essential to provide ease of navigation, basic public safety and safe flying conditions. These systems are definitely vital in avoiding potential life threatening injuries, heavy economic losses and severe property damage.




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