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25 April 2013

The Significance Of Obstruction Lighting

By Cherry Mercer


When things do not work well for pilots, obstruction lighting can guide them and the implemented colors can be red and white. A reliable system must have emergency power, for maintaining the signaling when there is an electrical failure. If the weather is not good, the beacons can have a low visibility. More types of markings could be used in rough climate conditions, as they can be helpful for pilots.

Protection against accidents is the primary motive for which red and white lamps are used. Most installations are made in towers and buildings situated on high terrain. Positioning can be very important and it has to permit pilots to see the lights from all possible directions. Today, LED lamps are used, because this technology is efficient and long lasting. For providing visibility through night goggles, more types of markings could be used.

Some structures can have multiple systems in order to ensure better visibility. The lights can be positioned all around a structure, in order to define its shape. Pilots may not see the buildings, but they will surely see the lights. During the day, a different type of visibility markers can be used, as LED signs may be hardly noticed.

Painted stripes may be a good alternative to LED navigational markings. In aviation charts, the markings can indicate possible dangers. The beacons could make pilots avoid course deviations. The more precise the indicators are, the safer a flight can be. ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Association) has its own beacon lights standard.

Firms that produce obstruction lights can also offer counseling regarding the use of the items and their installation. Aviation officials can also help. In the majority of cases, lamps are used in pairs or in clusters. The visual indicators are often arranged on chimneys, wind turbines, cranes and tall buildings. Not long ago, instead of LED technology, incandescent filament bulbs were used.

Obstruction lighting is also used at ground level and for helipads. Beacons that are placed on tall structures, the visibility range can be of a few miles. Not all lamps are the same when it comes to light intensity, as there are different levels. Red lamps may be turned on continuously, or they may be intermittent. White versions can use xenon technology.

Firms exist that offer energy efficient LED beacons, powered by solar cells. A lamp can also be used directly on the ground and there are particular attachment means for this. Item bodies have to be constructed from materials like cast aluminum, which has a very high resistance to environmental agents. For enhanced visibility, the beacons have clear lens. Some devices can be purchased with wiring on them.

The International Civil Aviation Association imposes the utilization of obstruction lighting for assuring pilots they can have safe landings and flights. LED devices have a high visual intensity. The items can provide signaling and guidance to pilots, for avoiding dangers. The standards in the domain ensure the right positioning for the beacons that could help in avoiding accidents.




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