[BC] to light or not to light

[Danny Ray Boyer]

> If a proposed tower supports the antenna for any non Federal Governmental 
> transmitting facility, such as a AM or FM radio station
> or even your local police department Part 90's transmitter, when the FCC 
> grants the station authorization - they become a second
> Federal Governmental entity that has jurisdiction in the matter.

>Just what exactly are you claiming a local PD would have on the operation of
>a tower based on their transmitter being on that tower?  Or, what their 
>license would have to do with said tower?


Blake, I am not quite sure what you are asking by your question above.....

Perhaps my comments below will answer your question.  

When your Police Department licenses their transmitter on an existing tower, the FCC in Washington will require them to have 
the same painting and lighting requirements as was originally required for the tower by the FAA before it was constructed.  
Those painting and lighting requirements are specifically shown on the Police Department's FCC license.   

Any and all other FCC licenses on the tower, including broadcast, will have the exact same painting and licensing requirements. 

During an inspection, if the FCC finds the paint or lighting to be out of compliance with what was specified in the Police
Department's Part 90 license, they will cite them.  The FCC also has the prerogative to send everyone else that has 
a FCC license on the tower a separate citation for the same painting or lighting infractions. 

One other comment on the subject of lighting.  If you have red obstruction lights on a tower and wish to go to strobes 
(or from strobes back to OB's)- make absolutely sure that you file with the FAA first and obtain their approval.  

Secondly, file for a modification of your license with the FCC (which should be routinely granted).

Thirdly, you can then safely make the physically change from the old style of lights to the new approved style.  

Moral of the story, if you get approval from the FAA and not the FCC, you will get written up and cited during an FCC 
inspection.  

Danny Ray Boyer