Avionics News October 2013 - 21

S T O R Y

B Y

D A V E

H I G D O N

ome once-new, now-brighter ideas help illuminate
ones that meet the applicable TSOs C30c and C96a for position and anti-collision lights, continues to expand for those
aviation these days thanks to new advances in the
operators who need TSO’d gear.
technology that simplifies installation, operates
For those customers who feel they lack “authority” to
on almost-exponentially lower current and promises greatly
install an LED landing light in place of an old-technology
lowered life-cycle costs, as well.
GE 4509 and other incandescent bulbs or one of the halogen
The technology propelled advances in landing and taxi
alternatives, consider this: Most units reviewed have PMA
lights, in anti-collision and position lights, in flashers and
approval per the requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation
recognition lights.
The technology? LEDs, the seem21.303 covering most Part 23 airplanes.
ingly-magical electronic light emitting
The relevant Federal Aviation Regudiode.
lations state simply – and only – that
The perfect storm seems
The availability of LEDs for outside
the light source is not a fire hazard,
applications seems to grow larger by
and it must produce illumination “adto be approaching:
the quarter with certificated versions
equate” for the job.
for every conceivable role – recogniMore than a few owners decided
Declining prices coupled
tion and anti-collision lights, flashers
they were adequate judges of this
with increasing options
and beacons and ice lights; even the
standard and opted to replace their old
non-TSO landing and taxi lights. If
bulbs with new LEDs under the ownermerge with the growing
what your customers need remains uneligible maintenance guidelines; others
recognition of the
available today, tell them to stand by ...
found a friendly reception for their
it could arrive with the next wave.
shop’s Form 337 field-approval aplongevity of LEDs.
Inside, where LEDs started as backplication – for installing a light source
light sources in radios and instruments
other than an incandescent bulb.
and switches, LEDs are making similar
And similar advantages are coming
inroads to replacing all other light sources – map lights, flood
for inside the aircraft where LEDs offer their benefits. It’s a
lights, panel post lights ... the works.
changing world with many benefits available to savvy ownLEDs even dominate the field of flashlights we carry to
ers and the shops that work with them.
help us preflight in the dark, illuminate the cockpit after the
lights die, and to terrify hangar mates during any upcoming
OUTSIDE ADVANTAGES
Halloween-themed midnight hangar-flying sessions.
The perfect storm seems to be approaching: DeclinIgnoring the widespread availability of flashlights and the
ing prices coupled with increasing options merge with
downward price pressures LED proliferation produced, light
the growing recognition of the longevity of LEDs. Shops
emitting diode technologies long suffered from sticker-shock
could soon start seeing the pace increase from what’s been
inducing pricing. This pricing kept many pilots calculating
a leisurely, years-long migration toward the new technolohow many old-fashioned incandescent or halogen bulbs they
gies and away from the old.
could replace for the cost of one LED landing light.
Generic benefits include lighter weight, no need for
The number ran into the scores.
separate, heavy power supplies to drive strobes – and no
This is changing, rapidly, as witnessed at EAA’s Airspecial wiring needed for strobe lights since the LED anVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., July 29-Aug. 4. Prices are about
ti-collision strobes and flashers emit no radio-frequency
one-third of their levels compared to five years ago – and
pollution to foul radios with static at each flash.
about half the levels of just a year ago, a number of vendors
In other words, using LEDs is simpler, lighter and less
explained.
Furthermore, the availability of approved LED systems,
Continued on following page
avionics news

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october

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Avionics News October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News October 2013