Great News! L.E.D. Lights are now L.E.G.A.L. !!

Post by **GAHorn** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 5:56 am

FredMa wrote:George, another reason for light operations during the day is that the light configuration is part of the equation that causes your CVR and DFDR to operate. For example, on the CRJ the CVR requires , Beacon on, Brake off, and oil pressure from either engine. The DFDR requires the same plus weight off wheels.
You have said several times that "the mfr states" these leds meet the definition of a standard part. Have they provided written documentation of that claim? If so I wouldn't have a problem installing them. Not sure if a pilot performing preventive maintence is allowed to make this determination though. I haven't looked at the FAR's to confirm this.

Only in their advertising literature. Since I am inclined towards them, and they appear as bright or brighter than the original incandescents...that has been good enough for me.

Post by **GAHorn** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:01 am

blueldr wrote:FredMa,

OK, I'll bite! What in hell do those initials, CRJ, CVR, and DFDR mean? I really hate to expose my ignorance like this, but I also hate to read these threads and think I may miss something important that might mean something to me.
Please be advised that where your bottom line refered to "FAR's", I think I remember that one.

Crusty Retired Junior officer, Curmudgeonly Vivacious Recalcitrant, and Demented Federal Defense Retiree..

(or Canadair Regional Jet, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and Digital Flight Data Recorder)

blueldr · Post by **blueldr** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:02 am

George,

Look at the time. Go to bed!

Post by **GAHorn** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:04 am

Hey! I'm at WORK! (Finishing up some client's training records. Someone's gotta pay those taxes to keep our Federal retirees fed.)

blueldr · Post by **blueldr** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:07 am

Thanks George. I'll be thinking of you in a couple of days when Sam comes around again.

blueldr · Post by **blueldr** » Thu May 03, 2012 7:20 pm

Sily me! In rereading this thread, I had completely forgotten how essential it was for we C-170 people to be cognizant of those essential initials or abbreviations "CRJ ---- CVR ---- DFDR". One, unfortunately, forgets a lot of that essential stuff as one ages.
It's kind of like those airport identifiers in Podunk, Mo., and Bum F--k West Va.

marathonrunner · Post by **marathonrunner** » Fri May 04, 2012 6:23 am

One other consideration for replacing landing lights with leds aside from the lack of visibility, is that they do not generate heat. NOT a problem for most 170 drivers but, if you are shooting an approach and get some ice they do not melt the ice off so you end up with no light. Could happen though at night with some drizzle that freezes...just a thought

Post by **GAHorn** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:07 pm

marathonrunner wrote:One other consideration for replacing landing lights with leds aside from the lack of visibility, is that they do not generate heat. NOT a problem for most 170 drivers but, if you are shooting an approach and get some ice they do not melt the ice off so you end up with no light. Could happen though at night with some drizzle that freezes...just a thought

(This reply is NOT ridicule...it's intended as a light-hearted realistic response):

Lessee.... wondering if I should replace short-lived high electrical demand incandescents with with long-life, cool-running, low-demand L.E.D.s ....in case I should ever be out in a Cessna 170 flying IFR approaches in freezing drizzle/rain.... an activity specifically prohibited even for the latest jet-fueled airliners. Hmmmmmnnn.....Lessee...do I more need to be seen in VFR conditions by other airplanes..?? or do I need to worry about unreliably deicing 10 inches of leading edge of a wing...??

Cheapskate solution: Since landing/taxi lights are not required for non-commercial operations even at night, replacing one of the two lamps with a lower-power (heat-producing PAR36 such as 60-watt GE-4411 ($11 at NAPA) or with automotive PAR36 LED (less than $35 at Northern Tool) seems reasonable to me. (Of course, I'm the idiot who installed dual incandescents on both wings for $1200....so if you guys are worrying about $300 worth of LEDs.... go ahead, satisfied in the knowledge that I'll have to DOUBLE your investment just to keep up with you guys!)

marathonrunner · Post by **marathonrunner** » Wed May 09, 2012 12:50 pm

Weather can change fast in the cold cruel arctic north

Seeing ahead at night when landing in changing conditions is worth a lot...maybe one L.E.D. so others can see you and one old style so I can see where I am landing. Seldom happens but it can.

marathonrunner · Post by **marathonrunner** » Wed May 09, 2012 1:02 pm

Actually, I have pulse lights on my ship and think that putting one on the other side and the ones in the wingtips would go a long way to really increased visibility. Your eye is drawn more to a pulsing light than a static light or object. The herring spotters up here have that as well as flashing nav lights and strobes.
On flight reviews I highly encourage and instruct on radio work with pilots, specifically flight following. That, along with having all your lights on in high density areas. It is amazing even with all lights on and flashing and talking to approach or deprture how many aircraft go by in invisible mode. It is even more amazing how many people are afraid of using the radio and ATC when they can help you and be yet another set of eyes.

N2255D · Post by **N2255D** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:42 am

From the latest AOPA Aviation eBrief

AeroLEDs joins AOPA Lifestyles Member Discounts program

AeroLEDs is introducing FAA TSO'd ALL-LED replacement NAV/ACS/POS lights and the PMA'd LED SunSpot 36HX landing light replacement with an integrated pulse feature. AOPA members will receive free shipping valued at $15.00 with their purchase. AOPA Lifestyles Member Discounts program.

bigrenna · Post by **bigrenna** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:05 pm

delete

bagarre · Post by **bagarre** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:29 pm

TSO'd standard parts...Maybe they can get a PMA to make AN bolts next.

But, How else can you sell an $800.00 light bulb?

I'll still take my $30.00 LED replacements. Just as bright, just as legal. (And are still 3 times more expensive than the originals)

We really can't get upset about how expensive aviation is when we get excited about $800.00 light bulbs.

bigrenna · Post by **bigrenna** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:21 pm

delete

The International Cessna^® 170 Association