ICAO FAA L864 and L865 Medium Intensity Aircraft Warning Lights for Broadcasting Towers

              Broadcast towers are among the tallest structures found across urban and rural landscapes, and ensuring their visibility to aircraft is critical for aviation safety. According to international aviation regulations, such as those outlined by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), broadcasting towers must be equipped with proper obstruction lighting. Two commonly used standards for these applications are the FAA L864 Type B Red Medium Intensity and the FAA L865 Type A White Medium Intensity aviation warning lights.

ICAO FAA L864 Standard – Type B Red Medium Intensity Aircraft Warning Lights

The FAA L864 standard defines the requirements for red medium intensity obstruction lights. These lights emit a 2000 candela (cd) red flashing signal, typically operating at 20-40 flashes per minute (FPM). Designed to be clearly visible during nighttime conditions, they are usually installed at the top of broadcasting towers or stacked at various heights for taller structures.

Key Features:

• Intensity: 2000 cd Red Flashing Light

• Standard Compliance: FAA L864 / ICAO Type B

• Flashing Rate: 20–40 FPM

• Application: Used for nighttime marking of obstacles over 45 meters

• Installation: Top and intermediate levels of towers or masts

These lights are ideal for broadcasting towers due to their reliability, low power consumption, and robust design that withstands extreme weather conditions.

FAA L865 Standard – Type A White Medium Intensity Obstruction Lights

For structures requiring visibility both day and night, the FAA L865 standard defines white flashing lights with adjustable intensity ranging from 2,000 cd (night) to 20,000 cd (day). These lights serve as an alternative to red lights, particularly where a white lighting solution is preferred to reduce bird strikes or visual pollution near residential areas.

Key Features:

• Day Intensity: 20,000 cd White

• Night Intensity: 2,000 cd White

• Standard Compliance: FAA L865 / ICAO Type A

• Application: 24-hour visibility for towers over 61 meters

• Power Supply: AC220V or solar-powered systems available

FAA L865 lights are often used on standalone broadcasting towers or as part of a dual lighting system combined with L864 lights for continuous visibility across all times of the day.

Conclusion

Both FAA L864 and FAA L865 aircraft warning lights are vital for maintaining the safety of aviation near broadcasting towers. Compliance with ICAO and FAA standards not only ensures safety but also avoids regulatory issues. Whether you're outfitting a new installation or upgrading an existing system, choosing the right type of obstruction lighting is a critical decision.

Ensure your broadcasting towers are compliant and visible—choose certified ICAO/FAA standard aircraft warning lights for dependable, long-term performance.