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Report No. CI 98-27       COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION ACTION     November 30, 1998

       FCC Issues Warning Notice On Antenna Lighting and Marking
           After Ambulance Helicopter Nearly Hits Unlit Radio Tower in Texas    
                                
     Following a recent nighttime incident in Texas where a helicopter ambulance nearly hit an unlit
radio antenna, the Federal Communications Commission today warned owners of antenna structures to
comply strictly with FCC antenna tower lighting and marking rules.

     The incident occurred near Muleshoe, Texas, where the helicopter, on an urgent emergency
call, was forced to "alter its approach pattern" when the pilot unexpectedly encountered a nearby unlit
tall antenna structure. After being notified of this event by the Muleshoe Police Department, agents of
the FCC's Dallas Office investigated and took steps to ensure that the tower was promptly lit and that
the FAA was notified of the outage. The Muleshoe police have verified that the tower is now lit.  The
FCC's Compliance and Information Bureau (CIB) is continuing its investigation of the matter. 
     
     CIB Bureau Chief Richard D. Lee said: "Unlit antenna structures present a special hazard to
law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.  I cannot stress too strongly the need for complete
compliance with FCC rules.  Violations in this area can place life and safety at risk.  Enforcement of
these requirements is a top priority," he said.

     FCC rules require that antenna structures above 200 feet in height, or in certain areas
designated by the Federal Aviation Administration, must be lit from dusk to dawn.  If a top tower light
is extinguished for more than 30 minutes, the FAA must be notified so that a Notice to Airman
(NOTAM) can be issued. 

     FCC rules also require, with certain limited exceptions, that radio towers must be registered
with the FCC.  "These registration rules are as essential and sensible as the need for automobiles to
have license plates.  There are no good reasons for failing to comply with this basic requirement," Lee
said.

     Lee said the FCC welcomed public information about unlit radio towers.  The Commission can
be reached at 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322)
                                
                            - FCC - 

News Media contact:  David H. Fiske at (202) 418-0500
Compliance and Information Bureau contact:  Pam Hairston at (202) 418-1160