Report No. CI 99-1      COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION ACTION       January 5, 1999    
FCC Issues Second Warning to Owners of Radio Antenna Structures
after Ambulance Helicopter Nearly Hits Unlit Radio Tower in Florida
 
     Following a second incident in less then a month, this one in Florida, where a helicopter
ambulance nearly hit an unlit radio antenna, the Federal Communications Commission today once
again warned owners of antenna structures to comply strictly with FCC antenna tower lighting
and marking rules.

     The latest incident occurred near Arcadia, Florida on December 21, 1998, where the
helicopter, on an urgent nighttime emergency call, was forced to "alter its approach pattern" when
the pilot unexpectedly encountered a nearby unlit 500 foot antenna structure that was under
construction without temporary warning lights.  After being notified of this event by the
helicopter company, agents of the FCC's Tampa Office investigated, confirmed that the tower was
unlit, and took steps to ensure that the tower was promptly lit, and that the FAA was notified. 
The FCC's Compliance and Information Bureau (CIB) is continuing its investigation of the matter. 


     The FCC issued its first warning to radio antenna structure owners on November 30,
1998, after a similar incident occurred near Muleshoe, Texas.
     
     FCC rules require that during construction of an antenna structure for which obstruction
lighting is required, a light shall be installed at the uppermost point of the structure.  In addition,
as the height of the structure exceeds each level at which permanent obstruction lights will be
required, two similar lights are required.  These temporary warning lights shall be displayed
nightly from sunset to sunrise until the permanent lights have been installed and placed in
operation. If a top tower light is extinguished for more than 30 minutes, the tower owner must
notify the FAA so that local aircraft pilots can be warned.

     CIB Bureau Chief Richard D. Lee said: "We will not tolerate non-compliance with FCC
Rules.  We intend to enforce these safety of life requirements to the fullest." 

                            - FCC -
                                
News Media contact: Maureen Peratino at (202) 418-0500
Compliance and Information Bureau contact: Pam Hairston at (202) 418-1160