How often should a station without an automatic tower light monitoring device inspect its tower lights for proper operation?

The requirement for a station without an automatic tower light monitoring device to inspect its tower lights for proper operation is grounded in safety regulations and best practices within the broadcasting industry. Conducting these inspections once every 24 hours ensures that any failure in the lighting system is quickly identified and rectified, thereby maintaining compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations regarding obstruction lighting.

Daily checks are particularly crucial for broadcast towers, as they often pose a hazard to aircraft if not properly marked and illuminated. Timely inspections help prevent potential accidents and ensure that the tower remains visible to pilots navigating in the vicinity. The frequency of the checks emphasizes the responsibility of the station operators to uphold safety standards continually.

Less frequent inspections, such as weekly, monthly, or only as needed, may not provide adequate oversight to promptly catch any issues that could lead to dangerous situations. Hence, the requirement for a daily inspection is vital for both regulatory compliance and safety measures in the operation of radio stations.