How many sections would be painted on an FAA marked structure that is 400' tall?

The correct answer is based on the FAA guidelines for the marking of structures, particularly how they are painted in alternating colors to enhance visibility for aircraft navigation. According to FAA regulations, for a tower that is 400 feet tall, the structure should typically be painted in a series of red and white sections.

To determine the number of sections, the rule states that for every 50 feet of vertical height, there is a zone that is painted. For a structure that measures 400 feet, the general approach involves dividing the total height by the specific height that defines a section. In this case, each section is about 50 feet tall.

Since 400 feet divided by 50 feet results in 8 sections, it's important to remember that the painting often involves a specific arrangement of these sections. The tower will generally be painted in a manner where the topmost section may either remain unpainted or be painted differently to mark the transition point. Hence, including the overall requirement for visibility and regulatory compliance, the total would effectively account for 8 painted sections distributed across the height of the tower, resulting in the designation of 8 painted sections in total.

Understanding this guideline is crucial for ensuring that the tower remains compliant with safety and regulatory standards in air