Landing/Taxi Lights on M20R

[FJC]

Hi everyone,

As it turns out, my landing light and taxi lights are not symmetrical and they should be (landing light is inboard on once side but not the other). Does anyone know for sure if the landing lights should be outboard or inboard? Just another minor fix that has be obsessed. 

They tell me to get used to changing out those lights...at least until I identify a suitable replacement.

[ArtVandelay]

I don’t think it matters, as long as it’s pointed in the right direction.

You want LEDs, and stop what seems like endless replacements and drop you electrical load.

[GeeBee]

You'll only want to do this job once, unless you like cussing, swearing and cut up knuckles. So hang the checkbook and get yourself some good LEDs. I don't like the "taxi" light versions of the LED (I have Whelen) they are the same as the landing only with an attenuated lens. Get all four the same and just aim the taxi lights (they are inboard on my M20R) down more than the landing lights. 

Second thing is the factory installed the incandescents with the filaments vertical. Incandescents last longer in vibrating environments and since the reflector is parabolic, it does not matter. However in LED's it does matter and the "key" on the retaining ring is 90 degrees out for LEDs and no, you cannot just rotate the ring as the screw down is not 120 degrees apart for all three. So you need to do a little filing. Here is my report on that

.

[StevenL757]

2 hours ago, FJC said:

Hi everyone,

As it turns out, my landing light and taxi lights are not symmetrical and they should be (landing light is inboard on once side but not the other). Does anyone know for sure if the landing lights should be outboard or inboard? Just another minor fix that has be obsessed. 

They tell me to get used to changing out those lights...at least until I identify a suitable replacement.

Unless you choose to install Qty. 4 of the same light (and forego the spreader optic feature found usually in taxi lights…particularly from Whelen/WAT), landing lights are outboard.  Taxi lights are inboard; both of which should correspond with your cockpit OH switches.  This should satisfy your obsessive side…which I share with you.  :-)

[FJC]

Thanks for replies. I do plan LEDs but need to allow amu's to build after last annual. I appreciate the details. I plan to start researching LEDs soon. I have enjoyed hid for 20 years on autos and most recently leds. I'd like to feel super confident in night landings (it bites getting old along with the typical change in vision).

Freddy

[Mufflerbearing]

The LED's are a really good way to go.  I purchased one set for my screaming eagle for the landing lights.  They are amazing and I do leave them on all the time as they burn very few electrons.  My plane has FIKI and there is a spot where the light is where the titanium strip is missing.  To address the issue of potential icing, leaving the stock taxi lights, which do create quite a bit of heat, helps when icing is an issue.  Best of both worlds. 

[M20F-1968]

I put the Ovation light housings in my wings with HID bulbs and ballasts. for both Landing and Taxi  They are quite bright.  More expensive than LED's however.

John Breda