ITRC SUMMARY REPORT

February 1, 1996

PROJECT: VFR Lighted Flyway Marker for the TCA Environment, Dr. Barry J. Dempsey, Principal Investigator, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Project Duration: 8/20/92 to 10/31/94

Status: Completed, Final Report Distributed

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The scope of this research study is to develop, fabricate, and evaluate a light system that can function successfully as a guidance route for VFR aircraft flyways.

ABSTRACT OF PROJECT:

The researchers evaluated marker and light systems presently available; designed and fabricated a prototype flyway marker; conducted field evaluations of the prototype, and prepared a final report. The prototype marker was a pyramid, 10’ by 10’ at the base, 1.5’ by 1.5 ‘ at the top, 12.72 ‘ tall, orange in color, and was easily visible from 1.0 NM. Red, amber and white flashing beacons were evaluated; both white and amber provided visibility of 2 to 3 NM in daytime and up to 10 NM at night. In both rural and urban settings, visibility would be enhanced by placing the marker on a contrasting background color and by elevating the marker. Based on their analyses, the following recommendations were made:

• Light systems already in use can be adapted for the proposed marker
• The lens used in the light beacon should be modified for continuous visibility throughout approach and overflight of the marker
• Light source of 3,000 candelas(day) and ≥ 8,000 candelas (night) is required
• Final size of marker must be studied, but 2-3 times the size of prototype
• Spacing of markers should be 3 to 6 NM.

APPLICABILITY OF RESULTS:

The performance of the prototype suggest that light systems already in use can be adapted. Markers 2 to 3 times the size of the prototype, spaced at 3 to 6 NM can be used to effectively mark the VFR flyway and minimize VFR traffic within the TCA airspace. The researchers recommend implementation of the flyway markers around the TCA for the Chicago-O’Hare International Airport.