Winter Storms Challenge Tower Lighting Repairs
Winter Storms Challenge Tower Lighting Repairs
US · Published Oct 14, 2026
• Winter weather poses significant challenges for maintaining FAA-required tower lighting systems.
• Ice, wind, and power outages are the primary causes of failures, as seen during Winter Storm Fern in January 2026, which affected the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Impact & Risks

Winter storms increase the likelihood of tower lighting outages while making repairs more difficult and costly. Delays in fixing outages can lead to extended FAA NOTAM periods, impacting compliance records. The cost of a single repair, including labor and parts, ranges from $1,601 to $6,670 in 2026, with additional expenses for repeat trips due to weather-related delays. These challenges highlight the importance of proactive maintenance and service agreements to mitigate financial and operational risks.

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