National regulations for the lighting of aviation obstacles 2025

Internationale Standards

ICAO Annex 14, Aerodromes, Volume I - Aerodrome Design and Operations.
The ICAO is the overarching international set of rules for the application of lighting and the definition of the lights to be used. The ICAO regulates not only the lighting of aeronautical obstacles, but also all essential aspects of international aviation. The ICAO is a recommendation and must be transposed into law by the member states. National deviations are permitted.

  • Status: Worldwide Base for all national regulations

IEC TS 61400-29:2023 Wind Energy Generation Systems – Part 29: Marking and Lighting of Wind Turbines

  • Harmonize international aviation lighting requirements based on ICAO Annex 14 standards
  • Ensure aviation safety while minimizing environmental impact (light pollution)
  • Provide guidance for both visible and infrared (IR) lighting
  • Support night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility

Germany

AVV - General Administrative Regulation on the Labelling of Aeronautical Obstacles

  • Current version: Of 24 April 2020, last amended by administrative regulation of 15 December 2023
  • Link: https://www.verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de/bsvwvbund_24042020_LF15.htm
  • Special features:
    • Regulates the needs-based night-time labelling (BNK) of wind turbines from 2025
    • Mandatory infrared labelling for BNK systems
    • Limit values: 150m in cities, 100m outside, 100m above chart datum in coastal waters

Switzerland

VIL - Ordinance on Aviation Infrastructure (SR 748.131.1)

  • Basis: Ordinance of 23 November 1994 on Aviation Infrastructure
  • Competent authority: FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation)
  • Link: https://www.bazl.admin.ch/bazl/de/home/infrastruktur/luftfahrthindernisse.html
  • Special features:
    • Obstacles from 25m in undeveloped areas and 60m in built-up areas are subject to registration
    • Authorisation required from 100m and for special installations from 60m
    • Digital tools: WeGOM (Web-GIS Obstacle Map) and swisstopo App
    • DCS portal for registration and authorisation

USA

FAA AC 70/7460-1M - Obstruction Marking and Lighting

Sweden

TSFS 2020:88 - Transportstyrelsen

  • Current regulation: TSFS 2020:88 (replaces TSFS 2010:155), in force since 1 January 2021
  • Transitional regulation**: Older systems must be replaced by 31 December 2025
  • Link: https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/aviation/
  • Special features:
    • Infrared light (IR ~850nm) is mandatory for all LED obstruction lights
    • Limits: 45-100m (colour marking or low/medium intensity), 100-150m (low/medium intensity), >150m (low and high intensity)
    • Real-time monitoring for medium and high intensity beacons
    • Synchronisation with other obstruction lights required
  • Additional regulation: TSFS 2019:22 for aerodromes
  • Status 2024**: Review of current TSFS 2020:88 underway, new proposals expected by August 2025

United Kingdom

CAP 168 - Licensing of Aerodromes & Article 222 ANO 2016

France

Arrêté du 23 avril 2018 - DGAC

  • Current decree: Arrêté du 23 avril 2018 relatif à la réalisation du balisage des obstacles à la navigation aérienne
  • Competent authority: DGAC (Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile)
  • Link: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000036868993/
  • Special features:
    • Explicitly covers wind turbines as fixed obstacles
    • Specific requirements for different types of turbines
    • Possibility of specific balisation by DGAC or Ministry of Defence
    • Certification requirement for all balisation lights

Netherlands

ILT - Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport

  • Competent authority: Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT)
  • Link: https://english.ilent.nl/topics/themes/aviation
  • Special features:
    • Implementation of Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) already in operation
    • Transponder systems approved for on-demand obstruction lighting at wind farms
    • Example: Wind Farm Koningspleij in Arnhem with activated transponder system
    • Based on ICAO standards with national adaptations

Austria

Austro Control - Aeronautical Information Publication Austria

  • Legal basis**: Austrian Aviation Act and EU regulations
  • Competent authority: Austro Control GmbH
  • Link: https://www.austrocontrol.at
  • AIP Austria: https://eaip.austrocontrol.at/
  • Special features:
    • Extensive harmonisation at EU level
    • National additions by Austro Control
    • Drone regulations: LBTH 67 for unmanned aerial vehicles
    • Examination procedure for aviation personnel

Belgium

FOD Mobiliteit en Vervoer - DGLV

  • Competent authority: Directoraat-generaal Luchtvaart (DGLV), Dienst Luchthavens
  • Contact: bcaa.obstacles@mobilit.fgov.be
  • Link: https://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/luchtvaart/veiligheid/hindernissen-en-bebakening
  • Procedure:
    • Obstruction advice required according to Circulaire GDF-03
    • Coordinated expertise involving defensie, skeyes and aerodromes
    • Obstacle formulation mandatory for all applications

International standards

**ICAO Annex 14

  • Basic rule**: All structures over 45m above ground level must be marked with aviation warning lights or coloured paint
  • Status: Basis for most national regulations
  • Standards: Tables 6.1 and 6.3 for Obstruction Lighting

Important developments 2025

Deadlines and transitional provisions

  • Sweden**: Deadline 31 December 2025 for retrofitting older LED systems without IR
  • Germany**: Mandatory BNK systems for wind turbines already in force

Technological trends

  • Infrared light: Becoming increasingly standard (Sweden, Germany, USA)
  • Demand-led systems**: Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) are gaining in importance
  • Real-time monitoring**: Mandatory for medium and high intensity lights in several countries

Harmonisation

  • EU-wide harmonisation of standards in progress
  • ICAO Annex 14 as a common basis
  • National adaptations for specific circumstances remain in place

Comments

  • Most countries base their regulations on ICAO Annex 14 standards
  • Infrared light is increasingly becoming standard to support military night vision devices
  • Demand-driven systems are gaining importance to reduce light pollution
  • Regular updates and revisions of national regulations required

Status: May 2025
Sources: National aviation authorities, ICAO, EU directives



Back…
prev next