Adding a second landing light in the J cowl

[SumoAir]

Two concept photos attached. Note plane in hangar, disclaimer: it was not flown... The more I analyze it, the more I believe parasite drag could be an issue. While I personally would have no problem flying it, the FAA might feel differently.

As for wiring, I am a 25 year medical electronics service engineer and Navy trained in electronics. I have repaired and improved reliability of circuits in my plane in the past. I believe the FAR's guidance in this area is common sense; that it would NOT be a major alteration to solder two wires into an existing molex connector. I put this in the category of what private noncommercial owners are allowed in terms of preventive maintenance and minor repairs which include wiring and switches.

After seeing the significant improvement on my plane, I am sold that three LED's will solve my personal goal. I am now looking into an STC that has a PAR36 lamp installed in each wing. While far more expensive than my solution, there is no drag and I plan to "owner assist" my A&P to reduce installation cost. I will also install a split switch for the landing lights to allow separate operation from the cowling light.

I just ordered a 3400 lumen LED which is 4 times brighter than the one installed at this time. My plan is to "downgrade" the current 900 lumen lamp to wing use (and buy another) then use the 3400 lumen in the cowling. I also plan to install a wigwag circuit in the wings if I pull the trigger.

[pinerunner]

I don't think there is any worth it advantage adding another light in the cowling. However there maybe for some adding landing wing tip lights. This would help on taxiways cluttered with cars, planes, trees, lightpoles, etc. This could be on the form of small laser beams LEDs that illuminate obstacles ahead. Nothing more disgusting than finding out that your hangar taxiway is cluttered with improperly parked cars or even boats.

 

José 

If this existed it would be a great upgrade. Drop-in wing-tip navigation lights with forward-facing extra landing lights. 

[Bob_Belville]

I like the Lasar STC SA2513NM mod to my E. The oil cooler was relocated and the hole became a second light. I now have 2 LEDs, a wide angle flood for taxi and a spot for landing:

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33732-2013-01-28-n943rw-close-up/

[flyingvee201]

I had a PA-32-260 with the extra landing lights in the wing leading edge just inboard of the tip tanks. It did make a huge difference. it came with a separate split switch we mounted on the panel.  The plane looked like a corporate jet landing at night.

I aimed the outer light beams to the side and above the center cowling landing light. Almost like a triangle of three beams,

Worked great for landing and taxing. 

 

I would love to find an stc that allowed mounting small LED lights on the Mooney's main landing gear.  COOL IDEA! :-)

[flyingvee201]

http://www.whelen.com/aviation/category.php?head_id=13

Maybe this might fit in the nose gear?  hmmm

[Yetti]

There is some very good LED technology out there, but like GPSs and ADSB the FAA wants us to stay in the dark. I gave 900 Lums led flashlight for Christmas presents this year.  I have a 1200 lum light on my bicycle that will last for 4 hours on battery.

 

I thought I read on here where someone mounted extra lights in the wing tip extensions.  One of these on this page should fit in the plastic.   http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/spotflood-worklights/

 

I also like the landing gear install, but would probably go for a light in the housing vs. the mounted to the plate.    I think the rub there would be that it should be tested to not interfere with gear extension or steering.

[Yetti]

You could mount 2 of these on either side of the cowl inlet or landing gear and have all the light you need.  

[KSMooniac]

Two concept photos attached. Note plane in hangar, disclaimer: it was not flown... The more I analyze it, the more I believe parasite drag could be an issue. While I personally would have no problem flying it, the FAA might feel differently.

 

That will be draggy as hell, I'm afraid.  I bet you'll see a noticeable reduction in airspeed if you fly it in that configuration.  If I were you, I'd propose a cowl mod to your IA and FSDO and see if you can get a field approval or 1-off STC.  A little fiberglass work could bury those lights in the lower cowl and then cover them with a clear lens and you'd have a great mod.  You could probably sell them easily too.

 

Hopefully the new Part 23 simplification will allow stuff like this to be implemented a lot more easily than it is now.