Regulations
Click on the links below to obtain the most up-to-date regulatory documentation.
FAA Advisory Circulars
This database is a searchable repository of all aviation safety Advisory Circulars (ACs). You can look at the most current ACs by their AC Number, or Regulatory Part Number (FAR, CAR…). It is also possible to view historical AC information to see old or cancelled ACs. For each AC, you can view a PDF copy.
Obstruction Marking and Lighting Advisory Circular (AC 70/7460-1K)
The official FAA link for information on what needs to be lit and equipment required.
AC 150/5345-43F - Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment
FCC Construction, marking, and lighting of Antenna structures
FCC Painting and Lighting Specifications
Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration
Notice To Airmen (NOTAM)
This website is the electronic version of the printed publication, Notices To Airmen, which is published every 28 days. Two editions of the publication are available on the website.
Enforcement Actions by FCC
See up-to-date actions the FAA have taken against those not properly lighting their structures.
Products
Products
To download datasheets on our product go to the Knowledge Center under the support tab or click here.
Medium Intensity (MI)
Medium intensity lighting refers to the markings required by the FAA for structures (towers, antenna, bridges, cranes, etc.) up to 500 feet from ground level. Medium intensity may also be required for structures within 5 nautical miles from airports. All Medium Intensity Lighting systemsa are ETL Certified.
To read the FAA Advisory circular on lighting regulations click here.
LED Technology options
Dual LED – Medium Intensity LED System, Red and White LED –
COMING SOON. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 360i – Medium Intensity L864 Integrated red LED Beacon/Controller. Recognized as the best lighting system for wind turbines in the industry, the 360i, an FAA type L865, provides a red LED light for night. The lighting enclosure is the most compact, yet offers patented 3-degree beam, status indicators, and contains no moving parts. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
L864 – Medium Intensity Red LED Beacon –
The Flash Technology LED based MI red beacon utilizes state-of-the art high flux LED technology and optical design to become one of the most efficient, compact FAA compliant L864 devices in the market. While it readily interfaces into existing installations, its robust, low power design will provide years of maintenance-free operation. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
L864 Adapter – Beacon retro fit adapter.
The Flash Technology LED L864 beacon retrofit adapter allows for simple retrofit of a new LED beacon to an existing 300mm incandescent base, eliminating the need to fully dismantle the old fixture. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 311L – Medium Intensity LED/Strobe System, Red LED and White Strobe.
The Flash Technology FTB 311L is an FAA type L864/L865 that provides a white strobe for day and a red LED for night for structures less than 500’. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Strobe Options
FTB 302 – White or Red Medium intensity Beacon
The Flash Technology FTB 302 is an FAA type L865 that provides a white/red strobe for day and night. This beacon can normally be added to a high intensity system when adding an appurtenance to an existing tower. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 304 – For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 305 – For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 310 – Medium Intensity White Strobe System Dual Strobe Option for backup.
The Flash Technology FTB 310 is an FAA type L865, providing a white strobe for day and night for structures less than 500’. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 310C – Catenary White Strobe System –
The Flash Technology FTB 310C is an FAA type L865 that provides a white strobe for day and night for structures less than 500’, supporting overhead cables and wires suspended over canyons, valleys or waterways. The system is comprised of three lighting levels in or near each supporting structure. One light level is located near the top of the structure, one at the lowest point of the structure, and one midway. The flash sequence is middle-top-bottom, with the interval between the top and the bottom flashes equal to twice the interval between the middle and top flashes. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 311 – Medium Intensity White Strobe System Integrated Red Light Controller.
The Flash Technology FTB 311 is an FAA type L865 that provides a white strobe for day and utilizes existing red light fixtures for night to create an FAA type L864/L865 dual system for structures less than 500’. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 314 – Medium Intensity Red Strobe System Dual Strobe Option for Backup.
The Flash Technology FTB 314 is an FAA type L864 that provides a red strobe for night applications on structures less than 750’. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 324 Medium Intensity Dual Strobe System White Day Strobe & Red Night Strobe.
The Flash Technology FTB 324 is an L864/L865 that provides a white strobe for day and a red strobe for night for structures less than 500’. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 324-LT – Medium Intensity Dual Strobe System LITE Series.
The Flash Technology FTB 324-2LT is Flash Technology’s Lite version of the FTB 324. It is an FAA type L864/L865 that provides a white strobe for day and red strobe for night for structures less than 500’, but without the ability to work with our Eagle diagnostic monitoring platform. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Marker Lights
L 810 – LED Steady burning side marker lights
The Flash Technology LED 810 applications include, but aren’t limited to, the following: towers, rooftops, bridges, taxiways, cranes, and more. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Incandescent L 810 – Steady burning side marker
The Flash Technology incandescent L 810 is used in all FAA - A, E, and F type marking, and omes as a single or double fixture. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
High Intensity
High intensity lighting refers to markings required by the FAA for structures over 500 feet above ground level.
Strobe Technology
FTB 204X – High Intensity Strobe System Split Enclosure with Extended Separation.
The Flash Technology FTB 204x is an FAA type L-856 high intensity white strobe that provides a white strobe for day, twilight and night operation for structures over 500’. This is the ONLY ETL certifies split enclosure system for up to 700’ separation between PC and FH allowing antenna operations to continue during most maintenance. The power converter can be located outside the RF field – 90% of electronics including capacitors are in an ozone free environment resulting in extended component life. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 205 – The Flash Technology FTB 205 is white strobe for day and night for structures over 500’ with the same enclosure for power converter and flash head. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 207 – Catenary White Obstruction Beacon
The Flash Technology FTB 207 is white strobe for day and night for structures over 500’ with the same enclosure for power converter and flash head. To be used in conjunction with the FT 121 power converter. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTB 208 - The Flash Technology FTB 208 is white strobe for day and night for structures over 500’ with the same enclosure for power converter and flash head. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Features
- Flash technology was the first to manufacturer a split system - allowing a 700 foot seperation between the flash head and power converter, thus allowing work on the lighting system without interfering with the RF signal.
- Quick release flash head and power converter doors for easy access to key components, reducing maintenance cost.
- Patented Louver Design – Flash Technology utilizes a patented louver design, which directs the light where it is needed for aviation safety and away from the community below. All Flash high intensity systems meet or exceed FAA, FCC, ICAO, DGAC, CSA and transport Canada specifications. The design restricts light in a tight horizontal pattern for extremely efficient use of light, resulting in lower power cost, and reduces ground scatter to 75% less than the FAA allows; which effectively addresses zoning considerations.
- Ferroresonant transformer maintains voltage +10% of rated value, assuring that light output remains within FAA regulations and provides 5,000 volts of insulation from lightning and power surges.
- Porcelain terminal blocks prevent malfunctions from moisture.
- Metal Oxide varistors absorb voltage surges from lightning – protecting expensive components.
- Single power circuit or dual light systems lower installation cost and material cost for kit, and equates to less wind loading on the tower.
- Lower Internal Voltage – system based on a +500 volts compared to typical 1000+ volt design and reduces stress on electronic components and lowers risk from moisture and high voltage discharge inside the light.
- 100% failsafe monitoring is designed for all operations, including: beacon fail, photocell failure, weak beacon flashes, and beacons flashing in the wrong mode.
- Built with longer tube life; the larger diameter tube dissipates heat faster for longer tube life and lower costs.
- Versatility of our products offered with combined or separate power converter and flash head.
- External trigger design helps to lower the discharge voltage, which eliminates missed flashes and provides a more reliable service, over longer periods of time.
Airport Lighting
Approach lighting are the lights that identify runway end and acquisition of an active runway. Strobe lights are offered in omni and uni-directional styles, and current and voltage driven systems. Systems can be set for single or three-step intensity and are field programmable.
Learn more about Airport approach lighting in our airport section.
Omni-directional Configurations (400 series)
FTS 412 (REIL – 2 flashing lights) Voltage-powered Runway End Identifier Lights
Flash Technology’s FTS 412 is used to identify the end of a runway during approach. REILS are particularly important for poor weather conditions and long approaches. The flash head and power converter may either be co-mounted as a single unit or located separately. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 432 (REIL – 2 flashing lights) Current-driven version of FTS 412
Flash Technology’s FTS 432 powers directly from the constant current regulator, thus directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. Components may be co-mounted or installed separately. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 417 (ODALS – 7 flashing lights) Voltage-powered Omni-directional Approach Lighting System
The 360-degree visibility of this light, produced in a sequenced flash pattern, helps pilots identify the runway in use. The flash head and power converter may either be co-mounted as a single unit or located separately. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 437 (ODALS – 7 flashing lights) Current-driven version of FTS 412
Flash Technology’s FTS 437 is powered directly from the constant current regulator, thus directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. Components may be co-mounted or installed separately. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Unidirectional Configurations (800 series)
FTS 812 (REIL – 2 flashing lights) Voltage-powered Runway End Identifier Lights
Flash Technology’s FTS 812 is used to identify the end of a runway during approach. The versatility of the FTS 812 makes it a compatible addition to the more elaborate LDIN systems. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 832 (REIL – 2 flashing lights) Current-driven version of the FTS 812
Flash Technology’s FTS 832 is powered directly from the constant current regulator, The FTS 832 is directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 815 (MALSR – 5 flashing lights) Voltage-powered Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with runway Alignment Indicator Lights –
Pilots use Flash Technology’s FTS 815 during landing approach to align the aircraft with the center of the runway. The versatility of the FTS 815 makes it a compatible addition to the more elaborate LDIN systems. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 835 (MALSR – 5 flashing lights) Current-driven version of FTS 815
Flash Technology’s FTS 835 is powered directly from the constant current regulator, The FTS 835 is directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTS 8021 (ALSF I & II – 21 flashing lights) Voltage-powered Approach Lighting System with Sequential Flashing Lights
Flash Technology’s FTS 8021 is a highly conspicuous pilot aid, marking the center of a runway. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FT 723 – Airport Acquisition Beacon
Flash Technology’s FT 723 identifies airport location and provides omni-directional flashes of white light. These distinctive flashes alert pilots to the general vicinity of the airport. The design features no moving parts, keeping the cost of installation, operation, and maintenance to a minimum. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Heliport Lighting
FT 736 – Heliport Acquisition Beacon
Flash Technology’s FTS736 provides highly conspicuous heliport acquisition by flashing a omni-directional white Morse Code “H” (4) flashes spaced 2/15 of a second apart, at (2) second intervals. This flashing pattern readily distinguishes this beacon from other lighting in the area. The flash head can be either co-mounted with the power converter or mounted separately. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Controller Technology
FTC 121 – High Intensity Controller
Flash Technology’s FTC 121 offers interactive diagnostics & programming for all high intensity lighting systems. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTC 140 – High Intensity Strobe System Controller
Flash Technology’s FTC 140 controller includes a convenient LED display panel, allowing for easy readability. The display shows real time status and location of each individual strobe in the system and allows the user to determine individual beacon status at-a-glance. For a datasheet on this product please click here.
FTC 2201 – Red Light controller with GPS
Flash Technology’s FTC 2201 with GPS synchronization has been designed specifically for wind energy applications. It can control (1) flashing LED L864 beacon and/or up to (8) LED L810 side markers. The GPS synchronization allows for wireless synchronizing of flashing beacons mounted on separate turbines. In conjunctions with LED beacon technology (48w), the FTC 2201 is easy to install and uses very little energy (1w). For a datasheet on this product please click here.
Inverters
Inverters provide an automatic battery backup power source connection if primary AC power fails.
FIV 600
Flash Technology’s FIV600 provides power for a single medium intensity power converter requiring up to 600VA peak.
FIV 2000
Flash Technology’s FTIV 2000 provides power for three medium intensity power converters.
For a datasheet on these products please click here.
Parts
Flash Technology sells only OEM parts. For part orders please call 1-800-821-5825, then select option 4.
Utility & Civil Construction
http://www.utc.org/For years Flash Technology has provided obstruction lighting for some of the best-known buildings, bridges, and utility sites around the world. Utilities have trusted Flash Technology for their lighting needs for over 30 years; providing them with high intensity, and medium intensity products to meet regulations on structures over 200 feet.
Utilities like thermal power plants, coal, gas or oil fired plants, hyperbolic stacks, and cooling towers use the following:
- 204X
- 205
- 310
- 324 dual xenon lighting
- 304 & 305 - Includes a metal flash head cabinet for more rugged application and shields from the extreme heat produced from the stacks.
For buildings, our most widely used products include:
Landmark Sites:
- Burj Khalifa
- Torre Antel
- Stratosphere
Bridges require use of the following:
Landmark Sites:
- Bridge to Sweden
Cranes that are close to airports, or are not able to be lowered at nightfall require the following:
High-tension power lines need to be lit in areas where pilots need to be aware of the start and end of these wires.
This application requires use of our catenary products.
- 310-7 - Medium intensity obstruction light using white only strobe.
- 207 & 208 – High intensity obstruction lights using white only strobe. The candela is 100K day/ 20K twilight/ 2K night, pulse rate = 60 flashes per minute.
We are proud members of Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) and The Energy Telecommunications and Electrical Assoication (ENTELEC)
Airport and Heliport Lighting
Flash Technology provides lights for any approach lighting configuration; from REILs to complete ALSF II systems. We manufacture strobe lights in omni and unidirectional styles, as well as both current and voltage driven systems. Our complete MALSR and ALSF systems meet all applicable FAA specifications, as do all of our approach lighting systems.
Our current-driven systems can be powered and controlled directly from the constant current regulator to the runway lighting circuit, greatly reducing installation costs. They are available in omni-directional, unidirectional, or inset design, and can be configured to meet any requirement from REILs to ALSF systems.
The voltage-powered systems are also manufactured in omni and unidirectional styles, and they too can be configured into any type of approach lighting system.
Benefits of Flash Technology Approach Lighting Systems
- Available in either current or voltage driven styles.
- Flash head can be co-mounted or separately mounted.
- Expert training and technical support.
- Engineered for long life and reliability.
- Meets all requiremets for the Buy American Act.
Features
- Meets all applicable regulations: FAA, ICAO, and Transport Canada
- Approach lights for any configuration: REIL, ODALS, MALSR, SSALR, ALSF I & II
- Solid-state circuitry, safety interlocks and internal surge protection.
Options
- Both systems can be set for single or three-step intensity and are field programmable.
- Monitoring available for both current and voltage systems.
- Heliport Acquisition Beacon and Wave-off Lighting also available.
Omni-directional Configurations (400 series)
FTS 412 (REIL – 2 flashing lights): Voltage-powered Runway End Identifier Lights
Used to identify the approach end of a runway. REILs are particularly important for poor weather conditions and long approaches. The flash head and power converter may be co-mounted as a single unit or located separately.
FTS 432 (REIL – 2 flashing lights): Current-driven version of FTS 412
Powered directly from the constant current regulator, thus directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. Components may be co-mounted or installed separately.
FTS 417 (ODALS – 7 flashing lights): Voltage-powered Omni-directional Approach Lighting System
The 360-degree visibility of this light, produced in a sequenced flash pattern, helps pilots identify the runway in use. The flash head and power converter may either be co-mounted as a single unit or located separately.
FTS 437 (ODALS – 7 flashing lights): Current-driven version of FTS 412
Powered directly from the constant current regulator, thus directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit. Components may be co-mounted or installed separately.
Unidirectional Configurations (800 series)
FTS 812 (REIL – 2 flashing lights): Voltage-powered Runway End Identifier Lights
Used to identify the approach end of a runway. The versatility of the FTS 812 makes it a compatible addition to the more elaborate LDIN systems.
FTS 832 (REIL – 2 flashing lights): Current-driven version of the FTS 812
Powered directly from the constant current regulator, the FTS 832 is directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit.
FTS 815 (MALSR – 5 flashing lights): Voltage-powered Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with runway Alignment Indicator Lights
Used by pilots during landing approach to align the aircraft with the center of the runway. The versatility of the FTS 815 makes it a compatible addition to the more elaborate LDIN systems.
FTS 835 (MALSR – 5 flashing lights): Current-driven version of FTS 815
Powered directly from the constant current regulator, the FTS 835 is directly connectable to existing runway lighting circuit.
FTS 8021 (ALSF I & II – 21 flashing lights): Voltage-powered Approach Lighting System with Sequential Flashing Lights
A highly conspicuous pilot aid, marking the center of a runway.
For more information on the FTS 400 and 800 series refer to the Knowledge Center Data Sheets under support.
Wind Energy Lighting
Flash Technology is the leader in supplying aviation obstruction lighting to the rapidly growing wind energy market. Our lighting technology saves time and energy expense for wind farm owners. The use of LEDs cuts energy usage by 80% compared to strobe lights and 96% when compared to incandescent. Maintenance cost is lowered due to status indicators, state-of-the-art surge suppression, and an advanced heat sync design that requires no moving parts.
Currently, we have supplied over 2000 lighting systems on over 60 wind farms, representing over 7000MW in the United States.
Our product solutions include:
 | - FAA L-864 integrated beacon to mark wind turbines at night with red medium intensity flashing light; it features patented optics, status indicators, compact design, and no moving parts. |
 | MET Tower Lighting - FAA L-864 and L-865 systems to mark meteorological towers. |
 | Offshore Wind Lighting - Solutions that include FAA certified lighting systme with IALA compliant Marine Aids to Navigation (AToN) |
 | Solar Powered Solutions - Photovoltaic systems to power MET tower applications in remote areas. |
NEWSLETTER
We are providing all wind customers with a regular published Newsletter, Light the Wind. The newsletter will contain information on regulatory and technology matters relating to marking of wind turbines, met towers, and other structures within your industry. If you would like to be included in the newsletter email or have any interest in our lighting technologies, contact Pete Bruce, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Chris Carpenter, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For information on FAA lighting regulations, please see our regulations section.
Members
American Wind Energy Association
Canadian Wind Energy Association
Broadcast
Flash Technology has been working with Broadcasters and other tower owners and operators in the U.S. and internationally for 39 years.
We remain up-to-date on all regulations and requirements for tower lighting set forth by the FCC and FAA. To download information and advisory circulars on lighting requirements see Regulations under Support. You can also find more information in the NAB handbook, chapter 7.4.
Flash Technology goes beyond High Intensity lighting for broadcast towers to include monitoring that meets strict regulation requirements set by the FCC and FAA.
In addition to our lighting systems we also provide ancillary systems to include:
- Electrical systems for antenna deicers
- Tower elevator electrical limit switch wiring
- Platform power circuits – for distribution of power throughout the tower
- Utility circuits
- Telco and fiber optic circuits – for communications and control of various antenna systems
Recently, we provided the lighting system for the spire (communications antenna) on the Trump Tower in Chicago.
Other landmark locations using Flash Technology’s High Intensity Lighting:
- Willis Tower in Chicago, formerly named Sears Tower
- Empire State building
- Sutro Tower in San Francisco
Telecom
Since 1969 Flash Technology has helped keep airspace safe by supplying over 100,000 complete lighting systems for the telecommunication industry. We offer the largest selection of Medium Intensity and High Intensity Lighting systems, OEM parts and component level training in the world.
If you’re in need of qualified service technicians for work at your sites, visit our page on Certified Services Providers (CSPs). All CSP’s have received component level training on Flash Technology equipment.
For information on monitoring your sites see Monitoring.
Flash Technology has been a member of NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors) since 1998.
Obstruction Lighting
As a world leader, Flash Technology has manufactured and sold Aviation Obstruction Lighting since 1969. We offer innovative products, technology, and customer service. From buildings to smoke stacks, from cell towers to wind turbines, from NASA’s Space Shuttle landing sites to NATO airfields and civilian airports around the world, Flash Technology has been providing the finest in industrial obstruction lighting products.
Our long standing relationships with customers, service technicians, and suppliers have given us the ability to design and manufacture innovative, technology driven lighting solutions that extend throughout various industries.
We offer lighting systems to meet all your needs – including halogen, incandescent, strobe and LED. All systems are made with the highest quality components, certified by ETL and approved by the FAA.
Flash Technology’s lighting systems are found on:
- Cellular and Broadcast Towers
- Wind Turbines
- Airport Approach and Guidance
- Bridges
- Buildings
- Cranes
- Ports and Waterways
- Amusement Rides
At-A-Glance
| Stock Symbol: | SPW on the NYSE |
| Employees: | 17,000 in over 35 countries |
| Annual Sales: | $4.8 billion in 2009 |