FAA/ICAO/FCC Regulations:
Any structure that exceeds 200 feet above ground level generally needs to be marked (lighted) according to FAA/ICAO Regulations. Whether your structure is a tower or a solid structure such as a chimney or building there are many factors that can affect obstruction marking requirements, such as weather, terrain, proximity to airports, etc. The information presented here is intended to provide basic guidance for structure marking.
The FAA and ICAO guidelines presented herein describe minimum requirements for various structure heights and descriptions of equipment to be used. Note that for Red Lighting Systems, the tower must be painted in alternating levels of aviation orange and white to provide maximum daytime visibility (red lights are for nighttime only). In the case of white or dual lighting systems, the need for painting the tower is eliminated.
Height is only one important consideration when choosing how a structure is to be marked. The products offered by Unimar support the obstruction lighting requirements set forth by the FAA/FCC and ICAO. In the case of special applications such as aviation lighting for industrial facilities or wind farm lighting, let your sales representative or our Technical Support staff help you determine the best lighting solution.
FAA Lighting System Configuration
| Type A | Red Lighting System |
| Type B | High Intensity White |
| Type C | High Intensity White
(Medium Intensity White Beacon on appurtenance over 40’ tall) |
| Type D | Medium Intensity White |
| Type E | Dual Lighting Systems / Red & Medium Intensity White |
| Type F | Dual Lighting Systems / Red & High Intensity White (Dual Beacon on appurtenance over 40’ tall) |
| Solid Structure | Chimney & Stack |
ICAO Lighting System Configuration
| Type A | Low Intensity Red Steady |
| Type B | Low Intensity Red SteadyMedium Intensity Red Flashing |
| Type C | Low Intensity (Mobile)Yellow/Blue Flashing |
FAA Equipment Classification
| L-810 | Steady Burning Red Obstruction light |
| L-856 | High Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Light (40 FPM). Contact Unimar |
| L-857 | High Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Light (60 FPM). Contact Unimar |
| L-864 | Medium Intensity Flashing Red Obstruction Light (20-40 FPM) |
| L-865 | Medium Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Light (40 FPM). Contact Unimar |
| L-864/L-865 | Dual Flashing Red Obstruction Light/Medium Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Light (40 FPM) |
| L-866 | Medium Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Light (60 FPM). Contact Unimar |
| L-885 | Red Catenary (60 FPM) |
