MAINTENANCE OF AVIATION WARNING LIGHTS (AWL)

Structures above 200’ in height are subject to aviation safety regulations to enable clear object visibility to aircrafts at all times. Obstruction lighting systems require qualified regular maintenance to ensure that facilities stay up-to-code. Industrial Access has a team of highly trained technicians that can provide expert installation, inspection and repair services to aviation warning light systems at height.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have established regulations and recommendations for the installation of Aviation Warning Light (AWL) systems on tall structures. Any structure that exceeds 200’ above ground level is required to be properly marked with aircraft warning lights. That includes industrial chimneys and smokestacks, wind turbines, water tanks, broadcast towers and many others.

Based on both national and international regulations, AWL systems have specific requirements when it comes to light intensity, color, beam pattern, flash rate and number of lights. The setup will depend on local terrain, weather, geographical location and the design of the structure itself. IA can help facilities establish the proper AWL configuration for each specific structure to ensure all standards are met.

Read more about AWL parameters

Sometimes AWL systems are accessible via existing ladders and platforms of the structure, allowing the crew to easily perform AWL-related services. In other cases, however, IA’s highly trained technicians can utilize rope access techniques for these high angle projects and perform maintenance on any lighting systems regardless of how high they’re located. This access solution ensures that the project costs are affordable and the service completion is safe and efficient.

IA’s technicians have extensive experience in installing, troubleshooting, repairing and replacing any aircraft warning light systems at height. The crew will safely access the lighting setups to inspect them and determine which lights are no longer properly functioning and whether the setup meets the most current regulations. Each light is diagnosed individually and specific abnormalities are noted. Inspection can include: checking for any present moisture that might compromise the equipment, inspecting terminal blocks and relays for evidence of corrosion and electrical arcing, examining all electrical connections for tightness, and inspecting inside and outside surfaces of AWL lenses for any degradation, dirt and obstructions. IA can perform any repairs needed based on inspection and diagnostic results.

When in need of light system installation or replacement, IA can take care of every single component: obstruction lights, personnel lights, flash tubes, conduit and wiring, junction boxes, trigger transformers, support brackets and everything else. Any faulty equipment is removed and new equipment is installed as well as tested for proper functionality.

Most recently, IA’s team has acquired training certification for Flash Technology lighting installation and maintenance. These LED systems are more efficient, less costly and more technologically advanced, with remote WiFi and satellite monitoring capabilities. IA’s technicians are trained and certified to inspect, diagnose, repair and install a multitude of aviation warning light systems ranging from low- to high-intensity.

IA can provide the complete range of services when it comes to AWL systems. Their maintenance must be timely to ensure safety against aircrafts, and it is also important that AWL fixtures, conduit and splice boxes, and other equipment are regularly inspected for defects and deterioration to prevent falling object hazards and system failures. Since regulations are always evolving, AWL systems require special attention to ensure the facility meets those standards. Requirements may vary depending on the client’s location, type of structure and environmental concerns, so it is best to consult with a professional contractor like Industrial Access for any of your AWL needs.