Tower Lighting FAA Compliance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L mandates specific lighting configurations for antenna structures exceeding 200 feet AGL to prevent aviation hazards. Tower operators must maintain compliant obstruction lighting systems and file outage notifications per 47 CFR Part 17 within 30 minutes of a lighting failure. Regular inspections ensure continuous FCC registration accuracy and protect against enforcement actions that can reach $10,000 per day per violation.

Industry: Telecommunications
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Site Manager
Total Items: 35
Compliance: FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L, FCC 47 CFR Part 17, OSHA 1910.268, TIA-222 Tower Standards, FCC RF Safety Guidelines OET Bulletin 65

FAA Registration & Documentation

Verify all regulatory documentation is current and on-site before beginning physical inspection.

Is the FCC Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) current and accessible on-site?
Does the tower lighting configuration match the FAA-approved lighting study on file?
Is the most recent FAA lighting outage notification log available for review?
Has the tower height and lighting type been verified against the current ASR filing?
Are FAA/FCC inspection compliance records from the past 24 months available?

Obstruction Light Type & Configuration

Confirm that installed lighting types match FAA-mandated specifications for tower height and classification.

Is the lighting type (red steady, red flashing, or white medium-intensity) correct for this tower's height classification?
Are top-level obstruction lights installed and operational at the highest point of the structure?
Are intermediate level lights installed at required intervals (every 200 ft for towers over 350 ft)?
Do all obstruction lights have 360-degree horizontal visibility as required?
Are dual/redundant light fixtures installed where required for this tower class?

Light Intensity & Flash Rate Verification

Measure and confirm that light output intensity and flash rates meet FAA specifications.

Has the flash rate been verified to be between 20–40 flashes per minute for red flashing systems?
For white high-intensity lights, has the intensity been verified at the appropriate daytime/nighttime setting?
Is the automatic day/night photo control sensor operational and properly calibrated?
Have any lights failed the intensity or flash rate specification and been flagged for repair?
Is the lighting control equipment (flasher units, power supplies) functioning within manufacturer specifications?

Monitoring & Alarm Systems

Inspect automated monitoring, alarm, and notification systems for lighting failures.

Is an automated lighting failure alarm/monitoring system installed and operational?
Has the alarm system been tested and confirmed to alert the responsible party within 30 minutes of a failure?
Are alarm notification contact lists current and include FAA/FCC emergency reporting numbers?
Has the backup power supply for the lighting system been tested for adequate runtime?
Are remote monitoring system test results logged and available for regulatory review?

Physical Light Fixture Condition

Inspect physical condition of all light fixtures, lenses, and mounting hardware for structural integrity.

Are all light fixture lenses free from cracks, discoloration, or UV degradation that could reduce output?
Are fixture mounting brackets, hardware, and safety cables free from corrosion or structural damage?
Have all lamp replacements been logged with replacement date and lamp type?
Are conduit and wiring connections to light fixtures weatherproof and free from damage?
Is a photo record of all fixture conditions captured for this inspection cycle?

Electrical & Wiring Systems

Inspect the electrical supply infrastructure supporting the obstruction lighting system.

Is the dedicated lighting circuit breaker labeled, accessible, and functioning correctly?
Are all electrical panels and enclosures for the lighting system properly grounded?
Is surge protection installed on the lighting control equipment to protect against lightning transients?
Has continuity testing been performed on all wiring runs to the obstruction lights?
Are junction boxes and weatherproof enclosures on the tower sealed and free from water intrusion?

Corrective Actions & Reporting

Document deficiencies, required corrective actions, and regulatory notifications issued during this inspection.

Were any lighting deficiencies identified during this inspection that require FAA/FCC notification?
Have all identified deficiencies been assigned a corrective action owner and target completion date?
Has this inspection report been reviewed and approved by the responsible site manager?
Please provide notes on any deficiencies, corrective actions taken, or follow-up items identified.
What is the scheduled date for the next lighting compliance inspection?

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Why Use This Tower Lighting FAA Compliance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This tower lighting faa compliance inspection checklist [free pdf] helps telecommunications teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for site manager professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L, FCC 47 CFR Part 17, OSHA 1910.268, TIA-222 Tower Standards, FCC RF Safety Guidelines OET Bulletin 65. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Tower Lighting FAA Compliance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: FAA Registration & Documentation, Obstruction Light Type & Configuration, Light Intensity & Flash Rate Verification, Monitoring & Alarm Systems, Physical Light Fixture Condition, Electrical & Wiring Systems, Corrective Actions & Reporting. It is designed for telecommunications operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Tower Lighting FAA Compliance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Site Manager professionals in the telecommunications industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.