FCC Takes Action on Tower Lighting in New York

There has been a mistaken belief that the FCC’s regional enforcement offices are not going out into the field to examine stations.  This is simply incorrect.  The FCC’s Region 1 Enforcement Bureau has been very active.  For example, they are actively taking enforcement actions against illegal pirate radio operations.

Importantly, the FCC is looking at stations’ facilities, especially tower lighting.  In the past few months, it has issued two Notices of Violation against tower operators in New York.  The FCC’s rules are clear:

47 CFR § 17.57: “The owner of an antenna structure for which an Antenna Structure Registration Number has been obtained must notify the Commission within 5 days of completion of construction (FCC Form 854-R) and/or dismantlement (FCC Form 854).  The owner must also notify the Commission within 5 days of any change in structure height or change in ownership information (FCC Form 854).”

Failing to meet FCC tower lighting rules is serious.  The last thing a station needs is to have an aircraft collide with its tower because it is not properly lit.

MAKE SURE YOUR TOWER MEETS FCC TOWER LIGHTING REGULATIONS.

You can see the FCC’s Notice of Violation for a tower in Pomona, NY, here.

You can see the FCC’s Notice of Violation for a tower in Utica, NY, here.