[BC] Dousing (Tower) Lights to Save Birds

[Mike McCarthy]

> From: "Mark Humphrey" <mark3xy at gmail.com>
>
> <snipped>
> However, if steady-burning lights are the primary hazard to birds,
> suppose we simply connect the side markers to the same flasher that's
> in series with the beacons?  (With FAA permission, of course.)  This
> would retain much of the visibility for pilots, while eliminating the
> so-called bird problem.

The marker light off concept is getting traction.  The FAA has already
commented favorably on an experiment in Michigan. Not sure of the reason
behind marker lights other than to create a steady state condition on
which to compare the flashing lights and to back them up when they fail.

But I'd be just as happy turning them off....  It's one less thng to
trigger a pre-mature relamping.

MM