Obstacle Light FAQ

Deployment and use of obstruction lights and hazard lights

The German term 'Luftfahrhindernisbefeuerungssysteme' is already a fascinating word in this language - but the use of these systems is less complex.
This article refers specifically to the situation in Germany. In general, the legal situation is regulated by international organisations such as the ICAO and EASA and is similar in principle. Almost every country has its own legislation, some with more or less deviations (International Requirements will be added shortly)

Sense and purpose of lighting

The purpose of lighting is actually to prevent accidents between low-flying aircraft and the infrastructure on the ground. This primarily concerns rescue aircraft and police services, as well as industrial flights and the military.
This is why lights are used:

  • All objects from 150 metres above ground
  • Objects in urban areas from 100m above ground level
  • Objects in the vicinity of airports
  • Objects around heliports usually within a radius of 1.5km

Type of lighting

A few types of lights are used in Germany:

  • Obstruction lights
    (International: ICAO Low Intensity Obstacle Light Type A)
    The standard light with an intensity of 10 Cd, red, permanently illuminated for use as night signalling

  • Hazard light (night)
    (International: ICAO Medium Intensity Obstacle Light Type B)
    A light with an intensity of 2,000 Cd, red, permanently flashing for use as a night signalling light in the event of special heights and hazardous situations

  • Hazard light (night)
    (International: ICAO Medium Intensity Obstacle Light Type A)
    A light with an intensity of 20,000 Cd, white, permanently flashing for use as a daytime signalling light at high altitudes and in hazardous situations

  • Light W, red
    A light with an intensity of 100 Cd, red, permanently flashing for use as night-time marking of wind turbines, only approved in Germany and some neighbouring countries

  • Infrared light
    A light with an intensity of 25mW/sr, in the non-visible infrared range, flashing for use as a night signalling device for pilots with night vision equipment. The light is mainly used in conjunction with on-demand lighting.

Application and arrangement

Basically, the contours of an object are illuminated. For this purpose, the fires are positioned at the corners of the objects. The distance must not exceed 45 metres and the lights must be visible from all directions.
(Detailed sketches will follow shortly)
Lanthan provides advice at any time during the planning phase of an object. We create the arrangement of the fires and a material list for tenders with tender texts. Please contact us.

Failure and maintenance

The operation of the lights must be monitored and, in the event of a failure, a message must be sent to the relevant air traffic control centre (NOTAM message). This can be done manually or automatically. After the report, the lighting system must be repaired within 14 days or a new report must be submitted.
Lighting systems must be equipped with an emergency power supply. This can be provided by the customer or supplied by us.

Lanthan offers comprehensive monitoring systems with interfaces of all kinds, as well as service packages for monitoring and reporting.