Airport Rotating Beacon Facts
Rotation
Rotation is 6 revolutions per minute and in a clockwise direction when
viewed from above. Rotation speed should be constant in order to
produce the effect of flashes at regular intervals. Flashes may be
alternately given as one color or two colors. The signal from the
beacon must be visible 360 degrees.
Location
Standard location for airfield rotating beacon or identification beacon
shall be:
Not less than 1,000 feet from the centerline or centerline
extended from the nearest runway
Not more than 5,000 feet from the nearest point of the usable
landing area, except if surrounding terrain restricts visibility of
the beacon or beacon serves more than one airfield. When
terrain obstructs viewing the beacon, distance can be
increased to no more than 2 miles.
Not in the line of sight from the control tower to approach zone
of any runway or to within 75 feet vertically over any runway
Located 750 feet or more from the control tower. The base
must be at least 20 feet higher than the elevation of the floor of
the tower cab.
Operation
Operate the airport rotating beacon as follows:
Sunset to sunrise continuously during airfield operations
Sunrise to sunset when the reported ceiling or visibility is
below basic visual flight rules (VFR) minimums
Color scheme
The meanings of light colors and color combinations for rotating
beacons are as follows:
Lighted land military airport Alternating dual peaked (two
quick) white between green flashes
Lighted land civilian airport Alternating white and green
Lighted water airport Alternating white and yellow
Table 4-2 -- Airport rotating beacon facts
NOTE
Under certain conditions the beacon may be mounted on
the control tower provided. When atmospheric conditions
create glare and flashback in the tower, the beacon must
be relocated to satisfy the requirements listed above. This
change only impacts new construction and demolition of
structures that support rotating beacons
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