The FCC has stepped up enforcement of its antenna structure rules, issuing nearly 50 proposed forfeitures in the last year. Alleged violations include, among others, failure to repaint towers to assure visibility.  With FCC field inspectors on the lookout for tower violations, tower owners should make sure their towers comply with the FCC’s rules. Here is a brief overview of the tower rules: 

All towers must display the antenna structure registration number “in a conspicuous place so that it is readily visible” near the base. Owners of towers exceeding 200 feet above ground level or requiring “special aeronautical study” must meet additional requirements, including: 

• Paint and light the tower per FAA standards, and clean or repaint the tower “as often as necessary to maintain good visibility.” 
• Monitor the tower lights daily or use an automatic alarm system to detect light failures.  
• Inspect quarterly all alarm systems and indicators associated with the lighting. 
• Report “immediately by telephone” to the nearest Flight Service Station or FAA office any “known extinguishment or improper functioning” of any top steady burning light or flashing obstruction light not corrected within 30 minutes.  
• Exhibit red obstruction lighting from sunset to sunrise and exhibit all high intensity and medium intensity obstruction lighting continuously. 

            Note: A tower owner is ultimately responsible for compliance even if it has a maintenance agreement with another company.

If you have any questions about the FCC’s antenna structure rules, please contact Scott Friedman or Jake Baldwin at (312) 372-3930 or sfriedman@cm-chi.com or jbaldwin@cm-chi.com.