FCC Enforcement Bureau Issues Violation Notices

In recent weeks, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has issued notices of violation for towers that are non-compliant with tower lighting and painting requirements.

In one instance, the FCC’s regional personnel in the Dallas, Texas office inspected a tower that needed painting and was out of compliance, requiring a response within 20 days.  In another, the Bureau’s New York office inspected four towers and found numerous violations, including painting, lighting, RF emissions, dense brush/vegetation at the base of towers, and lack of operational EAS equipment.

Tower owners are charged with compliance for the safety of air flight in connection with tower operations.  The notices of violation allow those cited to respond with an explanation but based upon the facts described in the notices, it seems likely that the tower owners will eventually be ordered to pay fines to the U.S. Treasury.