What Is an Aviation Obstruction Light?
An aviation obstruction light is a lighting device specifically designed to mark obstacles that may pose a hazard to aircraft navigation, such as buildings, towers, and natural terrain features. By highlighting these obstructions, the lights play a crucial role in preventing mid-air collisions.
These lights are strategically placed at various high-risk locations including airports, tall structures, bridges, and wind turbines. They function by emitting a strong light that is enhanced and spread by lenses or reflectors, ensuring it is visible from a distance to pilots. Available in two primary forms—flashing and steady-burning—the flashing lights blink at set intervals to draw attention, whereas the steady-burning lights maintain a constant glow for ongoing visibility.
The fundamental purpose of aviation obstruction lights is to provide a visual warning to pilots of potential hazards in their flight path, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. Compliance with the installation standards and guidelines issued by regulatory bodies, such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, is vital for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of these safety measures.