Aircraft Warning Lights and Their Types?

In our modern society, the sky is no longer the limit! Today, we live in a concrete jungle with tall towers and skylines so high, it barely leaves places for aircraft to fly. These buildings are causing more air traffic than actual planes themselves, creating an inconvenience for fliers and airlines alike. This is why we use warning lights.

What Are Aircraft Warning Lights (AWL)?

Aircraft warning lights are used to warn pilots during flight about potential inference from nearby tall structures such as high-rise apartments or office buildings. These lights can be illuminated buildings or other objects that create bright or vibrant colors that make them easy to spot in any situation. The AWLs are designed to make tall structures more visible during night and day. With their use, pilots remain alert with visibility of telecom towers, radio towers, tall buildings, cranes, or any object that can interfere with aircraft approaching an airport. Thus, establishing visual markings with aircraft warning lights is essential in the event of any structure being present along a flight path that is at least 150 meters high.

Types of Aircraft Warning Lights

Aircraft warning lights mainly consist of three types which are used to illuminate buildings and other objects.

1. High Intensity – This powerful light will alert you to any nearby aircraft, even at night. The high intensity aircraft warning beacon has an output intensity of 200,000 candela during the day, 20,000 candela at twilight, and 2,000 candela for those who are trying to find their way in darkness during the night. The white flashing plane warning sign provides all-season visibility up close so that pilots can take precautions before landing or taking off again

2. Medium Intensity – There are three types of lights that come under the medium intensity range.

Type A – White flashing 20,000 candela lights
Type B – Red flashing 2,000 candela lights
Type C – Steady, red burning 2,000 candela lights

3. Low Intensity – The low intensity red light is a constant burning signal that comes in different forms. There are 10 candela, 20 candela, and 32 candela power options for when you need more illumination, as well as 200 candela light coverage for an on-the-go solution.

What Type of Lighting Is Required for Buildings?

When it comes to building heights, the ICAO Annex 14 is a significant resource. This document provides guidelines for lighting structures with a height less than 45 meters that require low intensity lights. Between 46 – 150 meters, a medium light will do just fine, but if you are working on a 150+ meter high structure, go for higher level lamps.

What Is Fluorescent Lighting?

Fluorescent lamps produce light more efficiently than incandescent ones, and they cost less in the long run. The fluorescent lamp is a gas-discharge light that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The exhilarated atoms shortwave ultraviolet energy which causes phosphorus to fluoresce, producing visible light with lower cost than an incandescent bulb’s higher initial price tag when compared to one another.

Advantages of Fluorescent Lighting

Luminous efficiency - With their ability to produce much brighter light than incandescent lamps, fluorescent lights are considered more efficient.
Life - when it comes to lamps, the fluorescent light will typically last 10-20 times as long as compared to incandescent lamps.
Lower heat – The fluorescent light is a more efficient heat generator than the incandescent light. This means that it gives off less thermal radiation when compared to an equivalent installation of incandescent lamps.

Disadvantages of Fluorescent Lighting

Frequent Switching – When a fluorescent lamp is installed where it is frequently switched on and off, its lifespan will be much shorter than an incandescent light. In some cases, the difference can actually reach into weeks or months, instead of years.
Safety Issues - Mercury is a toxic substance, and if a fluorescent lamp breaks down, it can contaminate your surrounding environment.
Operating Temperature – The efficiency of a fluorescent lamp decreases as its temperature increases. It is best to keep them at room temperature for optimal performance.

Conclusion

Light is a powerful thing. It not only illuminates the world, but also provides safety and security to those flying in low-light conditions by creating visible warnings for aircraft to avoid crashes. Aircraft warning lights are must for any structure that occupies airspace, including skyscrapers, cell towers, etc. Aviation Parts Online is one of the most trusted distributors for a variety of airplane parts. Get in touch with a representative for any part-related queries; We will be happy to help you.