Top 5 Trends in Obstruction Lighting

Asset managers need to be aware of the ongoing changes to the obstruction market, with a focus on optimising time and reducing running costs. This is due to changing requirements for maintenance schedules and updated specifications in certain locations, affecting compliance. Connected assets will play a vital role in this transformation.

Understanding these changes in the market is critical. What obstruction assets will need to be updated, and what level of reporting will you need to maintain compliance?

With new assets, how will you fulfil the move to minimise your lights’ ongoing running costs this year?

The Major Trends to Expect in 2023

1. Obstruction Lighting Sales to Grow Significantly

There will be a considerable increase in the obstruction lighting market, with a predicted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% between 2020 and 2027.

The reason for this expansion is ongoing government investment in infrastructure projects, as well as the increasing demand for energy-generating capacity and upgrading of the distribution grid. Unlike other parts of aviation, obstruction lighting is mandated no matter the air traffic. As populations grow and their distribution increases, so will the need for safety-critical assets to protect them.

2. Rise of Automated Monitoring Systems

Many obstruction lights require frequent inspection to ensure operational compliance with local regulations. For sites that are hard to access, remote, or impossible to see from the ground, this requires sending a technician on-site to inspect the fixture/s. For many installations, this could invoke safety implications, such as working at considerable heights and working alone.

Additionally, monitoring can ensure that any outages are caught within minutes, and a precise reason for the outage is given, rather than potentially hours passing until the next inspection. This leads to faster and more accurate responses to a failed unit and an increase in uptime and reliability. Have you started your journey to connect your obstruction lights?

3. Overhead Optimisation

Connected systems have the ability to reduce your outgoings, limiting non-essential maintenance cycles. Owning a monitored system means less outlay on maintenance crews needed to fix any issue that may arise, making your system non-compliant.

The lighting industry is moving to turn-key kits. They will be available to make it easier to install and commission a lighting system. This means fewer contractors are needed to maintain your system to its intended specification.

4. Continued Focus on Regulation

Each country has its own rules and requirements, and it is becoming more demanding to meet them. Next-generation lights will need additional features, such as IR and enhanced alarm monitoring, to meet new compliance rules.

In the coming years, there will be an increase in the adoption of stricter regulations. This means lighting manufacturers will have to update their technology, and end-users will need to upgrade their fixtures depending on their location.

The market has already seen a shift in the USA, where the new FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-43J has come into effect.

5. Renewable Lighting Growth and Focus

Usage of alternative power sources will only increase as businesses push to be greener. Fortunately, the technology is already in the market, with solar fixtures and power systems widely available.

Now that you can remotely monitor your obstruction lighting assets, the barriers to not knowing if they are operational are removed. These connected devices can be used with confidence, giving you alerts if something isn’t right.