What's with the orange balls on power lines?

Question

I've been flight instructing for years. I've been in love with aviation my whole life. I read all the time. Yet I have never found a reference to the orange balls they hang on power lines near airports. My family tells me this is to "improve the visibility of the lines for pilots." If that's the case, why is it not in any publication I have ever come across?

Carman24...learn to spell before you call someone a moron.

I still haven't seen a REFERENCE to what I'm talking about. The AC 70/7460-1J is the best so far. From what I can tell nothing has to be marked below 200 AGL and that's where the balls I'm talking about are always located.

For those of you who "question" my status as a CFI. Look it up. Jeffrey J. Frabell 2842771CFI exp 04/07.

To the "common sense" answers...You clearly don't know what you're talking about. The federal government (FAA, military, etc) doesn't do common sense. If it isn't written it doesn't exist.

Thanks to those of you who have tried without being insulting.

Babyitsyou31. Thank you. I found what I was looking for in the AC.

Now how do I close this question so I don't get more rediculous answers?

Answer 1

Current Federal Aviation Regulations require proponents of new construction to notify the FAA of all structures proposed to be built to a height of 200 feet AGL or higher, and current FAA orders direct the FAA to recommend to proponents that an object proposed to be constructed between 200 feet AGL and 500 feet AGL be marked and/or lighted according to the standards of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 70/7460-1J, "Obstruction Marking and Lighting." Marking standards contained in AC 70/7460-1J generally specify placement of conspicuously-colored (e.g. aviation orange, white, or yellow) spherical markers of not less than 36 inches diameter (or other shape markers of equivalent projected area), at intervals not to exceed 200 feet, on the highest wire of catenary structures which cross rivers.

Answer 2

I'm reminded years ago of the ad that ran continuously in Trade-A--Plane publication. "your ball's saved my life" obviously it was the intent of the inventor that the balls be used to visually identify the presence of power lines near a landing strip or farm field that is treated by aerial spray. Also they hang on power lines that transverse rivers , reservoirs etc. where it may be possible low flying aircraft may be in proximity.

Answer 3

I would seriously have to question your claim to be a CFI. This is basic information, spelled out in Aircraft Circulars. While a pilot might not be sure of the source, a CFI should know what publications contain this kind of info.

Answer 4

I think I would have to question your flight status buddy. I remember this from Ground School (albeit 20 years ago) and it is in all of the air circulars, etc. Terrain avoidance is pretty much 101 stuff.
AC 61-134 - Controlled Flight into Terrain Awareness

But have you seen the ones that glow? Those are too cool.

Answer 5

Answer
These big orange balls on high power lines(high voltage transmission lines)are called Wire makers for warning small private airplanes flying at low altitudes for the presence of transmission lines.

FCC regulations mandate the use of high power flashing lights on high altitude towers, however, since these wires are at fairly low altitude the use or wire markers suffices.

Answer 6

Most the guys who've answered here have it right, in some form or another. They're basically for awareness for pilots to tell them there are power cables there, and also for birds so they don't fly in to them

Answer 7

lol thats a question i asked my mom when i was like 3... its just for the planes to see them, just like the lines on the side of the road so you know where the edge is, its all for visibility stuff

Answer 8

they are for helicopters. you may notice them in rivens or along roads in open spaces . It helps helo pilots avoild power lines. they are the biggest causes of crashes.

Answer 9

I guess the assumption is that pilots are smart enough to know that the balls tell them a powerline is there. And they should CLIMB!!

Answer 10

In mt opinion those balls are for stabilizing the power lines during high winds. for example, winds caused by aircraft passing low overhead.