The Federal Communications Commission hosted the special forum in Washington, D.C., to examine ways in which Year 2000-related computer problems might disrupt antenna lighting. The forum was attended by representatives from the communications, electric power and aviation industries. AOPA told the forum that proper obstruction lighting is critical to air safety. Broadcast towers are difficult for pilots to see. Charts used for visual navigation depict antenna towers with strobe lights.
Pilots plan routes and operate their aircraft assuming tower lights are working.
The pilot's association told broadcasters that it is critical that they notify the nearest Flight Service Station immediately of any lighting failure. AOPA also urged pilots to notify FSS about any observed obstruction light outages. Outages could also cause air traffic control delays. The 340,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is the world's largest civil aviation organization. Some 56 percent of the nation's pilots are members.