Looking for advice on LED position lights

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ctmorawetz
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Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by ctmorawetz »

Does anyone have experience replacing incandescent bulbs on a 172 with LED position lights? What do you recommend? Thanks!
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robertw
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by robertw »

You can't just order up some new LED Nav lights as installing them would constitute a change in the type design. In this case I would think that it is a major modification per CAR 571.06, which means that you would need an STC to approve the installation of LED nav lights. There are some business jets I've seen out there with LED nav light STC's, but I've not seen an older GA aircraft out there with them. Mind you, I haven't been looking either.
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Chris M
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by Chris M »

There are actually numerous retrofit options - Whelen, Aveo...

https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/menus/el/ ... ights.html

STC's are available to cover just about any LED swap (Nav, beacon, strobe, taxi, landing, etc). I believe some are even PMA replacements, no STC required.
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all_ramped_up
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by all_ramped_up »

^ This. Just like Taxi/Landing Lights there are basically drop-in LED replacements available.
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wrenchturner
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by wrenchturner »

Whelan lights are STC'd for most common GA aircraft already. They fit right in to the current installation. Only thing to remember is they are polarity sensitive
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adam325i
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by adam325i »

If your still looking, here is an option that's Canadian.

http://www.navstrobelighting.com/

https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/e ... key=110392
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FrozenWrench
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by FrozenWrench »

Have done the change many times with Whelen parts. Straight up replacement and no STC needed. As said before, just watch the polarity.
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PilotDAR
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by PilotDAR »

ct,

The advice you've been given here is good. If it won't work, you can PM me. I've STC'd these before.
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AirFrame
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by AirFrame »

adam325i wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:02 pm If your still looking, here is an option that's Canadian.

http://www.navstrobelighting.com/

https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/e ... key=110392
Only legally an option on amateur-builts, I expect. NavStrobe lighting "...have been designed to meet the requirements of TSO-C30c." ie. they believe it meets requirements, but they've never been formally tested for approval. The Aircraft Spruce page has a Q&A tab where this is addressed as well.
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HiFlyChick
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by HiFlyChick »

Haven't checked into position lights, but in the last year or so had to replace a rotating beacon (assy), and even though it required an STC, the LED beacon from Whelen was still cheaper (including the STC paperwork!) than buying the old assy. The only down side is that it is freakishly bright, especially after dark.... :)
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JasonE
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by JasonE »

Replaced the Whelen strobe assembly on my Cherokee last winter. It was less than half of what they want for an LED unit. Too bad the bulb didn't last more than 6 months and Aircraft spruce won't warranty it!
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Heliian
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Re: Looking for advice on LED position lights

Post by Heliian »

JasonE wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2017 5:42 pm Replaced the Whelen strobe assembly on my Cherokee last winter. It was less than half of what they want for an LED unit. Too bad the bulb didn't last more than 6 months and Aircraft spruce won't warranty it!
Check the wiring and grounding, poor connections will shorten the life considerably.
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