Australia Pilbara 135m Chimney Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights Installation Project.
Project Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Location | Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Structure Type | Industrial Chimney |
| Structure Height | 135 meters |
| Lighting Solution | Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights |
| Auxiliary Lights | Medium-Intensity Type B Red Obstruction Lights |
| Control System | GPS Synchronization + Photoelectric Controller |
| Environmental Conditions | High temperature, dust storms, strong sunlight |
| Compliance Standard | ICAO Annex 14 |
Project Background
Located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, this project serves one of the world’s most active mining and mineral export areas. The airspace regularly accommodates low-altitude aircraft operations, including mining exploration helicopters and general aviation flights.
The project structure is a 135-meter industrial chimney. Due to its height and location, the chimney presents a significant aviation obstruction risk, particularly during:
- Nighttime operations
- Dust storm conditions
- Low-visibility weather
To improve aviation safety compliance and operational reliability, the client decided to upgrade the existing aviation obstruction lighting system with a more dependable long-term solution.
After technical evaluation and environmental assessment, our Type A Medium Intensity Light system was selected for the project.

Why Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights?
The Pilbara environment creates several engineering challenges:
- Extreme daytime temperatures
- Strong UV exposure
- Seasonal dust storms
- Potential power fluctuations in mining zones
To ensure long-term stable operation, the lighting system was specifically configured for harsh outdoor conditions.
Key Technical Advantages of Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights
ICAO-Compliant Aviation Warning System
The lighting system complies with ICAO Annex 14 requirements and is certified for international aviation obstruction applications.
Certifications
- ICAO Certified
- CAAC Certified
GPS Synchronized Flashing
One of the core technical features of this aviation obstruction lights project is the GPS synchronization function.
Through satellite signal synchronization, obstruction lights installed at different chimney levels flash simultaneously with millisecond-level accuracy. This significantly improves visual consistency for pilots and avoids disordered flashing effects during nighttime observation.
The GPS synchronization system has already been validated in multiple overseas aviation lighting projects.
Designed for Harsh Environments
| Technical Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Light Source | High-efficiency LED |
| Daytime Intensity | Up to 20,000 cd |
| Night Mode | Automatic brightness adjustment |
| Protection Rating | IP66 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 240 km/h |
The system maintains stable performance under high heat, strong wind, and heavy dust conditions commonly found in mining regions.

Installation Layout
Layered Aviation Warning Design
The aircraft warning lighting arrangement follows the international principle of marking the highest and outermost points of an obstruction structure.
Top Warning Layer
At the top of the 135-meter chimney:
- 3pcs Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights installed
- 120° evenly distributed layout
- Full horizontal visibility coverage
This configuration ensures the chimney profile remains clearly visible from all flight directions.
Intermediate Warning Layers
Because the chimney height exceeds 45 meters, additional warning layers were added.
| Height Position | Lighting Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 90 meters | Medium-Intensity Type B Red Light | Auxiliary warning |
| 45 meters | Medium-Intensity Type B Red Light | Auxiliary warning |
The combination of:
- Type A white flashing lights
- Type B red obstruction lights
creates a clearer visual hierarchy while complying with ICAO vertical spacing requirements.
Intelligent Control System
The project also integrates an intelligent control and protection system:
- Automatic day/night switching
- Photoelectric controller operation
- Surge protection device integration
- Reserved solar power interface
This design improves long-term operational reliability in remote mining environments.
Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights – Project Testing & Commissioning
After installation, the system underwent third-party inspection and commissioning tests.
Test Results
| Test Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Flash Frequency | Approx. 40 flashes/min |
| GPS Synchronization Accuracy | Microsecond-level |
| Light Coverage | Meets design requirements |
| System Stability | Passed continuous operation testing |
Performance Under Dust Storm Conditions
During the trial operation phase, the Pilbara region experienced typical dust-heavy weather conditions.
Even under reduced visibility, the aviation obstruction lighting system maintained:
- Strong light penetration
- Stable synchronized flashing
- Clear aviation warning performance
The chimney lights project received positive feedback from on-site operation and maintenance personnel.

Project Value & Application Expansion
This project demonstrates the reliability of Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights in demanding overseas environments.
Beyond industrial chimneys, the same solution is suitable for:
- High-voltage transmission towers
- Broadcasting towers
- Wind turbines
- Petrochemical structures
- Other tall aviation obstruction structures
Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights Solution Advantages
✔ ICAO-compliant aviation safety solution
✔ Reliable operation in extreme climates
✔ GPS synchronized flashing technology
✔ Modular installation design
✔ Reduced long-term maintenance costs
✔ Suitable for global aviation obstruction applications
Conclusion
The successful completion of the Pilbara chimney project provides a proven reference for aircraft warning lights installations in mining and industrial environments worldwide.
For similar tall-structure aviation warning projects, ICAO-certified Medium-Intensity Type A Obstruction Lights offer a dependable and standardized solution for long-term operational safety.



