Algorithm for selecting explosion-proof obstruction lights

Low-altitude flight safety depends significantly on the pilot's ability to detect any object that could become an obstacle in the aircraft's path in time to allow sufficient time to perform an evasive maneuver without haste and in a controlled manner. This requirement is particularly acute in situations where the flight is conducted at visual range values ​​close to the limits for a given class of operations. Obstacles are impossible to see at distances exceeding the prevailing visual range values ​​and often become visible at shorter distances. Insufficient visual range performance, resulting in delays in obstacle detection, creates a hazard in flight.

In practice, for safety reasons, it is necessary to increase the visibility of obstacles by light marking (fencing) them so that the distances at which they become visible are at least equal to the prevailing visual range values ​​under maximum permissible meteorological conditions for visual flights. Pilots need to see obstacles in a timely manner to be able to perform any required evasive maneuver.

Obstacle lights must be installed on all obstacles to ensure safety during night flights and flights in poor visibility. Obstacle lights must be steady or flashing red with a luminous intensity of at least 10 cd in all directions at an altitude of no more than 45 m and at least 2000 cd at an altitude of 150 m and above. Obstacle lights must be activated during the hours of darkness (from sunset to sunrise) and during daylight hours in poor or reduced visibility (fog, haze, snowfall, rain, etc.).

The number and placement of obstacle lights on each tier must be such that at least two obstacle lights are visible from any flight direction (at any azimuth angle). If multiple flashing lights are installed on a facility, simultaneous flashing must be ensured.

At the highest points of the obstacle, two lights (a primary and a backup) are installed, either operating simultaneously or one at a time, provided a device is installed to automatically activate the backup light if the primary light fails. The backup light's automatic activation must be designed to ensure that both obstacle lights remain lit if the primary light fails.

The light distribution and installation of obstruction lights must ensure their observation from all directions within the range from the zenith to 50° below the horizon.

Fence lights must be connected to two separate lines of independent power sources. Fence lights located on the same platform must be powered from different phases of the two power lines. Automatic activation of the fence lights using a photo relay is preferred, although manual activation from a control cabinet is also possible.

GORELTEX explosion-proof obstruction light control cabinets are optionally equipped with a remote photocell and battery-powered buffering. The on/off threshold for the light sources can be adjusted by changing the photocell sensitivity with a regulator. The control cabinet can operate in both automatic and manual modes, allowing manual switching of the visual signaling devices.

When the voltage on the supply feeder drops or is disconnected, the control cabinet automatically switches to powering the obstruction light system from an explosion-proof battery.