Obstacle lighting is a special signaling system used to make tall structures and obstacles visible to aircraft, helicopters, and drones . This type of lighting is required by law for objects that pose a potential risk to aviation.
1. Features of obstacle lighting
✅ Bright flashing or continuous light → Ensures good visibility in all weather conditions .
✅ Red or white light → Depending on height, location and regulations .
✅ Day & Night Mode → Some systems switch between white lights during the day and red lights at night .
✅ LED, Xenon or Halogen light sources → Modern systems use energy-efficient LEDs .
✅ IP65+ protection → Resistant to rain, snow, wind and extreme temperatures .
2. When is obstacle lighting mandatory?
According to international aviation regulations ( ICAO, FAA, EASA ), obstacle lighting must be installed on:
📍 Tall buildings (>45 meters high) → For example, skyscrapers and TV towers.
📍 Wind turbines → Mainly in wind farms and along airports.
📍 Industrial structures → For example, cooling towers, chimneys and bridges.
📍 Aviation buildings and antennas → Communication towers, radar installations and transmission towers.
📍 Mountain peaks and natural obstacles → If they pose a threat to air traffic.
3. Types of obstacle lighting and their applications
| Type of obstacle lighting | Features | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Low intensity (Type A/B) | Solid red light , <45 meters | Buildings, small antennas, cranes |
| Medium intensity (Type A/B/C) | Flashing white or red , 45m-150m | Wind turbines, transmission towers, bridges |
| High intensity (Type A/B) | Bright flashing white , >150m | Skyscrapers, cooling towers, industrial structures |
4. Operation of obstacle lighting
🔸 Day mode → White flashing lights for maximum visibility.
🔹 Night Mode → Red flashing lights to reduce light pollution.
⚡ Automatic switching → Based on twilight sensors or aviation regulations .
💡 Smart obstacle lighting → Some systems are activated only when an aircraft is approaching , to save energy.
5. Regulations and standards
Obstacle lighting must comply with international aviation regulations :
📌 ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) – Global standard.
📌 FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, US) – Specific standards for US airports.
📌 EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) – European regulations.
✈ Mandatory obstacle lighting depends on the height and location of an object .
6. Difference between obstacle lights and navigation lights
| Feature | Obstacle lighting | Navigation lights |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Warn for solid objects | Visibility of moving vehicles |
| Colour | Red or white | Red, green and white |
| Location | On buildings, windmills, antennas | On aircraft, ships, vehicles |
💡 In short:
Obstacle lighting is a mandatory warning system for tall buildings, antennas, wind turbines, and bridges . It uses red or white flashing lights to warn aircraft and helicopters. Modern systems automatically switch between day and night modes and comply with strict international aviation regulations .