Proper telecom tower maintenance is crucial for keeping your communications tower in compliance with the FAA regulations. The FAA strives to identify safety issues and correct them as quickly and effectively as possible. For many businesses, the FAA can prove a difficult regulatory challenge. However, knowing the basics of FAA compliance can save your company plenty of time, headaches, and unnecessary work. Below we discuss the fundamentals of FAA compliance and what you should be aware of before you put a tower up.

Heights and locations.

As most already know, you can’t just place a tower anywhere you please. You also have to make sure that it is not in violation of height restrictions. Proper placement and height can prove a challenge when you’re in the vicinity of any airports or in areas that have strict height restrictions. Always be aware of the locations where you cannot build your tower and make sure you look into the particular height restrictions for the area you intend to build on.

FAA law mentions that any structures exceeding 499 feet high will be considered obstructions. Typically if this determination is made, the FAA will conduct a thorough aeronautical study to discover the obstruction’s effect on navigable airspace. This is intended to ensure that all usable airspace is safe for aviation.

Paint markings.

If your tower has any paint markings on it or illumination that may cause a problem for air navigation, your tower is definitely non-compliant. To determine this, the FAA will make an assessment based on their painting and lighting recommendations to prevent a possible hazard from occurring. This has to be cleared with the FAA and is filed by the FCC.

Lighting.

It’s no secret that lighting is critical for safe air navigation. Installing the proper lighting fixtures can prevent a hazardous accident and save lives. The FAA requires that all towers exceeding 200 feet above ground level must be properly marked with tower lights. The recommended lighting often varies and depends largely upon important factors like terrain, weather, and location. For this reason, it is crucial that you consult an expert and get some help choosing the best illumination for your tower.

It is also important to mention that if the FAA recommended lighting is not working, it must be corrected immediately. Any lighting that is out for more than 30 minutes must be reported on the spot by calling Outage Reporting and Notice to Airmen. Lighting that is not FAA recommended does not follow these strict guidelines, immediate action, and regulations.

Tower Engineering Company is here to ensure that every tower is doing its job and prepared for the demands of the future. Whether you need a new tower designed for a mountain top or urban pole, we will work hard to put your investments to work. Our professional engineering staff, services, and solutions are guaranteed to meet your needs and provide customized tower and foundation designs specifically tailored to you. In addition, we offer comprehensive design team management, construction administration, and special inspection services for new telecommunications and broadcast sites. Interested in working with us? Please get in contact with us today to learn more!