[SBE] Tower Light Outage Reporting

[Jerry Paonessa]

We learned last night that the telephone number we have been using for many years to report tower light outages has changed!  What follows is an extract of the revised procedure we wrote for KENS Master Control Operators.  Feel free to use as you like, in whole or in part.  As always, local procedures and perhaps telephone numbers may vary.
 
TRANSMITTER PROCEDURE: LOSS OF TOWER LIGHTS
 
Reference:  FAA Advisory Circular AC 70/7460-1K
 
Tower lights must be checked periodically during hours of darkness to confirm that our tower is properly marked as an obstruction to navigation.  We want to know that the tower lights come on after sunset, remain on during the night, and switch off after sunrise.
 
If any flashing beacon level goes out, the FAA must be informed immediately.  Any light on these levels is critical.  
 
When you know a beacon is not operating, report the outage following this procedure:
 
1.      Call the Lockheed-Martin Outage Reporting and Notice to Airmen line at 1-877-487-6867
2.      The recording will say, “please select your state.”  Respond, by saying your state name
3.      The recording may ask, “East or West?”  Respond appropriate to your location.
4.      The Flight Service Station telephone will ring
5.      Tell them you are reporting a problem with tower lights.
6.      Ask for the name of the person who answers at the FAA
7.      Report the following information; use the tower registration number appropriate to the tower affected:
 
ANALOG TOWER FCC REGISTRATION NUMBER: Your number here
 
DIGITAL TOWER FCC REGISTRATION NUMBER: If different
 
The Lockheed-Martin Outage Reporting and Notice to Airmen representative will give you a three-letter alpha code and a NOTAM number.  Record the person’s name, the time of your call, the three-letter alpha code and the NOTAM number on the transmitter log under the tower lighting observation section. Keep this code and NOTAM number at hand to use when reporting restoration of lighting.  All NOTAMs expire 15 days from date of issue.
 
WHEN TOWER LIGHTS ARE RESTORED
 
1.      Call the Lockheed-Martin Outage Reporting and Notice to Airmen line at 1-877-487-6867
2.      The recording will say, “please select your state.”  Respond with your state name.
3.      The recording may ask, “East or West?”  Respond appropriate to your location.
4.      The Flight Service Station telephone will ring
5.      Get the name of the person who answers
6.      Tell them that tower lights have been restored on your tower
7.      Give them the three-letter alpha code and the NOTAM number from the report that lights were out.
8.      Record the person’s name and time of the call on the Transmitter log under the tower lighting observation section.
 
References:
FAA Advisory Circular AC70/7460-1K as changed 8/01/2000
 
 
Best regards,
 
 
Jerry Paonessa
Assistant Director of Technology
KENS-TV/DT
210-377-8778
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