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Posted

Randy, the STC will apply retroactively but if you are trying to be perfectly legal, and an FAA dude ever wants to scour your logbooks and get picky, then you would technically have needed to file a form 337 and get an approval BEFORE having installed the light. This all assumes that you actually made a log entry. If you didn't, then go back and do it now and everything is cop-ascetic.


There is a school of thought (espoused by the Aviation Consumer folks) that the LED landing light replacement is not even considered subject to these regs, as it is not a "major" airframe alteration. And admittedly the regs are vague. I just had my A/P put in my PAR36 light, which already had the STC, and he originally thought he was going to file a 337 just to be totally legit (which is required even WITH an existing STC). But I whined about the extra $25 charge for doing so, and he finally decided to call it a "minor alteration" and just told me to keep the STC paperwork in my logbooks.


To shorten my long story, this is not something you need to lose sleep over.

Posted

I can't see how they can claim an alteration to the airframe at all. You can easily go back to the incandecent bulb. It's more like switching from one brand of tire to another. As long as both meet specs, what's the deal?

Posted

Rosen sunvisors are STC'ed for Mooneys, and I was required to file a 337 after screwing them in, because the FAA brains consider it a major airframe alteration.


Talk about silly CYA....

Posted

Are you sure the FAA considers tehm a major alteration?  If your Mooney had visors installed before, and the Rosen's are PMA (I think they are)  its just a logbook signoff.  We changed a Northstar GPS-60 GPS to  King KLN-89B (VFR) and it was just a log signoff..

Posted

If you're installing an item pursuant to an STC, it is by definition a major alteration, and a 337 is required.  Takes all of about 10 minutes to fill out, then the IA signs it and sends it to OKC.  There's a good argument to be made (and AvConsumer makes it) that changing a landing light bulb for a different type isn't a major alteration, and your A&P can install it with just a logbook entry.  If there's no STC for the device, and your A&P agrees that it's a minor alteration, no problem.  If there is an STC, though, it's probably best to just use it and take the few minutes to do up the 337.

  • 2 months later...
Posted

The Parmetheus PAR 46 LED has now PMA (no STC necessary, can be installed in foreign registered aircraft, too)

Posted

The Whelen is 1200 candle power and it works very nicely.  I recommend it highly.  I think it is also 2/3 the price of the Alphabeam but I haven't tried that one.  It may be worth the price.

Posted

Quote: Hank

PAR46 LED lights are now approved!!

Mooneys are listed on page 7 of 12 pages worth of approved aircraft:

M22; M20, M20A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, M, R, S & TN.

NOTE #1:  Installation is limited to previously approved landing/taxi light lamp size and location.

Here's their link:  http://www.whelen.com/pb/Aviation/STC/Parmetheus%20STC%20SA02212AK.pdf

 

Posted

They are available at Aircraft Spruce and others for a little over $200 I believe.  There is a landing and taxi version.  The difference is in the angle of spread.  I've installled the landing light and I hope to get a taxi light at OSH at a discount.

Posted

XeVision has a listing of field approvals for HID landing lights. Scott's 377 in on the website for his M20J. Pricing is inline with many of the LED lights I've seen.

Posted

Parker, I believe the 252 is a 28 v system (my 252 Rocket is so I assume yours is also).  There are two versions of the Parmethius light (landing and taxi) but I only see one listed at the link you included (WHELEN PAR 46 01-0790623-20).  Also, $289 seems a bit high.  I think I paid $208 at SNF in April.  The LEDs use a lot less power and are much cooler than the HID lights.  Also, I thought the HID lights cost about $1,000 each for installation.  I don't know what replacement bulbs cost.

Posted

Yeah - seems like a good idea to go LED from the standpoint of lowering the load on your poor alternator not to mention cooler and longer lasting. I will definitely go LED as soon as my first bulb blows. They are working for now.

Posted

I changed the bulb before I had a failure.  I did so for two reasons.  First, I wanted to try it out with the incadecent bulb as backup.  Second, I now leave my LED landing light on all the time for increased visibility.  I think of it as cheap insurance.

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