What are the three main types of obstruction lighting used to mark tall structures?

2-2-3. Obstruction Lights
a. Obstructions are marked/lighted to warn airmen of their presence during daytime and nighttime conditions.
They may be marked/lighted in any of the following combinations:
1. Aviation Red Obstruction Lights. Flashing aviation red beacons (20 to 40 flashes per minute) and
steady burning aviation red lights during nighttime operation. Aviation orange and white paint is used for daytime
marking.
2. Medium Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Lights. Medium intensity flashing white obstruction
lights may be used during daytime and twilight with automatically selected reduced intensity for nighttime
operation. When this system is used on structures 500 feet (153m) AGL or less in height, other methods of
marking and lighting the structure may be omitted. Aviation orange and white paint is always required for
daytime marking on structures exceeding 500 feet (153m) AGL. This system is not normally installed on
structures less than 200 feet (61m) AGL.
3. High Intensity White Obstruction Lights. Flashing high intensity white lights during daytime with
reduced intensity for twilight and nighttime operation. When this type system is used, the marking of structures
with red obstruction lights and aviation orange and white paint may be omitted.
4. Dual Lighting. A combination of flashing aviation red beacons and steady burning aviation red lights
for nighttime operation and flashing high intensity white lights for daytime operation. Aviation orange and white
paint may be omitted.
5. Catenary Lighting. Lighted markers are available for increased night conspicuity of high -voltage
(69KV or higher) transmission line catenary wires. Lighted markers provide conspicuity both day and night.
Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting 2-2-1

AIM 2/20/25
b. Medium intensity omnidirectional flashing white lighting system provides conspicuity both day and night
on catenary support structures. The unique sequential/simultaneous flashing light system alerts pilots of the
associated catenary wires.
c. High intensity flashing white lights are being used to identify some supporting structures of overhead
transmission lines located across rivers, chasms, gorges, etc. These lights flash in a middle, top, lower light
sequence at approximately 60 flashes per minute. The top light is normally installed near the top of the supporting
structure, while the lower light indicates the approximate lower portion of the wire span. The lights are beamed
towards the companion structure and identify the area of the wire span.
d. High intensity flashing white lights are also employed to identify tall structures, such as chimneys and
towers, as obstructions to air navigation. The lights provide a 360 degree coverage about the structure at 40
flashes per minute and consist of from one to seven levels of lights depending upon the height of the structure.
Where more than one level is used the vertical banks flash simultaneously.