View Full Version : What are those tall poles I see near airports
Within a couple miles or so of some airports in the U.S. I see these tall thin metal poles. At the top is what looks like an inverted metal bowl, a lightning arrestor and obstruction lighting. I don't know how to better describe it. I tried searching and can't find it so I know my description is not good. Thanks for your insight.
PAXfips
2nd Jun 2015, 12:46
Something along that?
http://www.kd0dlm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Batten-NDB-1.jpg
Those are: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-directional_beacon
Is that what they look like? Almost half a century ago I predicted that the NDB would, by now, have joined the 78.
Wrong again! ;)
No, those aren't what I'm seeing. It's not an NDB because I see several around an airport, such as at Orlando where they are very conspicuous on the drive out. You would not have more than one NDB at an airport. It is several times taller than these beacons. The gear is mounted on top of a tapered pole, not a triangular-faced tower as in these photos. I wish I could find a picture. I'll look some more.
Otto Throttle
3rd Jun 2015, 08:22
I've never seen the kit involved, but could it be part of the airfield low level Windshear detection system?
Yes, I think that's it. Low level wind shear alert system. Searching on that gives me a photo of exactly what I recall seeing. Thank you all for helping me.
http://www.knightea.com/engineering/data/images/llwas3.jpg
RevMan2
4th Jun 2015, 05:10
Probably their national team on their way to a tournament. Possibly Marcin Gortat who plays for the Washington Wizards in the NBA