Tower Painting FAQs

Painting for FAA compliance usually requires a tall tower to be repainted every 5 to 7 years to ensure the aviation orange band remains in compliance. Over time the aviation orange color can become faded in the sun or other environmental factors.  Painting for rust protection can be determined by paint product selection and specific environment in which the tower resides.  For example, coastal towers may need to be painted more frequently than towers in the plains.  

For aviation marking the FAA mandates specific colors for banding the tower.  This is traditionally referred to as aviation orange and white bands.  If a tower has a day time white lighting system this may eliminate the need for meeting the FAA paint requirement.  It is advised to still treat your tower for rust prevention.  If a proper lighting system is in place and you are painting specifically for rust prevention there are not any color mandates.  

Painting a broadcast communication tower requires specialized work at heights so it is important to hire a professional who is experienced in painting tall structures. The painting should be done in accordance with industry standards, and a thorough inspection should be done both before and after painting to ensure that all requirements are met. Any necessary repairs should be completed before the painting process. The base of the tower should be cleaned, and a primer should be applied, followed by several coats of paint. The type of paint and method of application will depend on the climate and type of environment where the tower is located.

No.  Technically the FAA does not enforce tower painting.  They set the standard and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) enforces the standard.  

Yes, there are fines if a tall tower does not meet the aviation orange color requirement.  

You can obtain an FAA paint tolerance chart.  Tower painting companies and tower inspection personnel will usually have this chart and can identify if your tower has faded out of compliance.  Additionally, an inspector will be able to identify the proper band width and determine if your tower is in compliance.  

Fines for not meeting the FAA requirement have been known to be levied at as much as $25,000 for willfully not meeting aviation obstruction safety standards.  

https://www.broadcastlawblog.com/2013/05/articles/fcc-fines-up-to-25000-for-tower-issues-including-lighting-and-painting-issues-inadequate-fencing-tower-registration-in-wrong-name-and-no-posted-asrn/

The cost of painting a broadcast tower varies depending on the height and complexity of the project.  Project costs can range from $20,000 to over $100,000 based on the specific needs of your project.

Tower maintenance and specialized tower painting companies can support your painting needs.  Tower owners should gain an understanding of their potential contractor’s experience in this space, as well as insurance coverages.  Precision Communications has over 30 year’s experience painting broadcast towers.  

Painting a broadcast tower offers several key benefits, including improved visibility for aircraft, improved weather protection to prevent corrosion, and improved aesthetics to enhance the surrounding environment. 

Yes.  With proper steel preparation and primer treatment, painting a tower can protect against rust and extend the longevity of your tower asset.