Replacement landing light for 1976 M20C

[BillYesIAm]

Any recommendations for replacing the standard landing lightbulb? I have had this airplane going on 18 years now and it seems that I rarely get a landing light to last more than two years. A pre-flight yesterday showed the bulb to be milky white which was a sure sign that it was out. I am thinking I may have spent more money on replacing the standard bulb then it would have cost me to just go ahead and buy something better. It could have something to do with some occasional “less than perfect” landings… Ha ha. Anyway, each time I replace a bulb I look at the newer stuff and catch my breath at the price. But I’m thinking maybe it is time to go ahead and break down and get a decent bulb that is brighter, possibly has a strobe affect, and of course uses less amperage due to modern technology. So anyway, I am looking for some recommendations on what I might replace the standard bulb with, without necessarily breaking the bank. Any ideas of course would be appreciated very much.

Bill
 

 

 

 

[markgrue]

I put the Whelan PAR 46 prometheus bulb in mine.   Not cheap but it has lasted a couple years now and is very much brighter.   We have a guy here who sells them and his website shows the difference in output and pattern.

 

Mark 

[EricJ]

There are a number of landing light threads here with a lot of information and user experience.    This is a question that gets asked frequently.    There are quite a large number of options, and the regs don't require much specifics for landing lights and many people get PAR46 LED lamps from amazon, ebay, etc.   Check with your IA regarding what he will require at annual.

 

[MikeOH]

I went with the Aerolites Fusion PAR46.  $160.  Installed myself under A&P supervision (no issues with fitment with the stock mounting ring/hardware) and had him do a 337...another $100.  Their web site is clear that it is NOT an FAA PMA/TSO part, which is why I had my A&P do the 337.  I figure that will cover me when I go to sell.  I've had three different shops perform annuals since installation and none even mentioned it.  As a last resort, if some anal A&P or buyer throws a hissy fit, I'll just remove it and put in the crap incandescent to make them happy

I leave it on from take-off to landing...I can't imagine how many incandescent bulbs I would have gone through by now!

[Hank]

@BillYesIAm, I replaced the GE landing light on my 1970 C back in April 2014, while relocating from WV to AL. The first flight back north, the light worked during 1830 CST Preflight, but did not illuminate the ridgeline parallel to KHTW on base leg at 2330 EST because it was dead. This is what I used:

2 hours ago, markgrue said:

I put the Whelan PAR 46 prometheus bulb in mine.   Not cheap but it has lasted a couple years now and is very much brighter.   We have a guy here who sells them and his website shows the difference in output and pattern.

Not sure if I'd pay the upgrade for the Parmetheus Pro, but the version before that looks good. 

Since installation, it's only been turned off twice that I'm aware of--one annual, and once halfway through pitot-static certification tests. I like it, but it doesn't flash or blink. (I just keep the switch turned on). I've had other pilots at night comment on its visibility and ask on the radio what it is.    I can only hope it helps half as much during daylight.

[carusoam]

There is this new technology called LED lights…

This MSer can outfit your whole plane in fancy LEDs… unless you have a recog light or two…. Then it is most of your lights…

Find @OSUAV8TER and ask what he recommends…  He is our official Whelen Guy…

 

Of course there are other LED lights written about around here…

But, the Whelen guy makes the upgrade as easy as it gets… with some great videos to demonstrate it…

 

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

Best regards,

-a-

[OSUAV8TER]

On 3/26/2022 at 4:03 PM, BillYesIAm said:

Any recommendations for replacing the standard landing lightbulb? I have had this airplane going on 18 years now and it seems that I rarely get a landing light to last more than two years. A pre-flight yesterday showed the bulb to be milky white which was a sure sign that it was out. I am thinking I may have spent more money on replacing the standard bulb then it would have cost me to just go ahead and buy something better. It could have something to do with some occasional “less than perfect” landings… Ha ha. Anyway, each time I replace a bulb I look at the newer stuff and catch my breath at the price. But I’m thinking maybe it is time to go ahead and break down and get a decent bulb that is brighter, possibly has a strobe affect, and of course uses less amperage due to modern technology. So anyway, I am looking for some recommendations on what I might replace the standard bulb with, without necessarily breaking the bank. Any ideas of course would be appreciated very much.

Bill
 

 

 

 

@BillYesIAm email me at gallagheraviationllc@gmail.com, I have something special for you! A truly spectacular light that I cannot speak publicly about just yet

I am a Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT - formerly Whelen) authorized dealer. 

[RobertGary1]

In 20 years I’m on my 3rd regular bulb not sure why some go through them a lot. 
when I’ve looked at leds they appears to be two options. Narrow and bright or wide and dim. 

[A64Pilot]

Problem with Whelen is the price.

But it’s an honest approved aircraft part, maybe it’s just me, but when I look at an airplane on a pre-buy and find cheap mr. led bulbs etc., I wonder where else has money been saved, don’t put Ebay or Amazon bulbs on your airplane. Plus many cheaper LED’s power supplies are noisy as hell on the radio spectrum and can certainly cause interference issues. I’m sure Whelen bulbs do not.

[A64Pilot]

18 hours ago, RobertGary1 said:

In 20 years I’m on my 3rd regular bulb not sure why some go through them a lot. 
when I’ve looked at leds they appears to be two options. Narrow and bright or wide and dim. 

You know that’s the same for incandescent don’t you

[1964-M20E]

On 3/26/2022 at 4:12 PM, MikeOH said:

I went with the Aerolites Fusion PAR46.  $160.  Installed myself under A&P supervision (no issues with fitment with the stock mounting ring/hardware) and had him do a 337...another $100.  Their web site is clear that it is NOT an FAA PMA/TSO part, which is why I had my A&P do the 337.  I figure that will cover me when I go to sell.  I've had three different shops perform annuals since installation and none even mentioned it.  As a last resort, if some anal A&P or buyer throws a hissy fit, I'll just remove it and put in the crap incandescent to make them happy

I leave it on from take-off to landing...I can't imagine how many incandescent bulbs I would have gone through by now!

Instead of all the headaches ou should have just bought a spare incandesent and kep it for when you decide to sell.

[1964-M20E]

3 hours ago, A64Pilot said:

Problem with Whelen is the price.

But it’s an honest approved aircraft part, maybe it’s just me, but when I look at an airplane on a pre-buy and find cheap mr. led bulbs etc., I wonder where else has money been saved, don’t put Ebay or Amazon bulbs on your airplane. Plus many cheaper LED’s power supplies are noisy as hell on the radio spectrum and can certainly cause interference issues. I’m sure Whelen bulbs do not.

Look for police spot lights by Whelen 

[65MooneyPilot]

Several years ago in 2016 I found a halogen light STC for the Mooney that works well. A lot less amps needed and it lasts longer than the original bulbs. I don’t know if it is still available but it’s a Protigal Halogen PLL46-1, STC SA00511SE. It’s a bit old school but the price was right. 

Edited March 30, 2022 by 65MooneyPilot
Insert STC

[65MooneyPilot]

I did some checking last night and unfortunately it looks like the light lens is no longer being made. To bad because IMHO it is a good solution for the landing light. 

[Rwsavory]

Whelen PAR-46 Super-LED Steady Burn 8-DEGREE Spot Light

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LQG64S/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HMRXJ2ZVS840A09K2784?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[EricJ]

3 hours ago, Rwsavory said:

Whelen PAR-46 Super-LED Steady Burn 8-DEGREE Spot Light

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LQG64S/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HMRXJ2ZVS840A09K2784?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That's the one I have.    Works well.

[ZuluZulu]

On 3/28/2022 at 6:24 AM, OSUAV8TER said:

@BillYesIAm email me at gallagheraviationllc@gmail.com, I have something special for you! A truly spectacular light that I cannot speak publicly about just yet

I am a Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT - formerly Whelen) authorized dealer. 

James, I thought we were pals!

[Igor_U]

On 3/29/2022 at 4:52 PM, 65MooneyPilot said:

Several years ago in 2016 I found a halogen light STC for the Mooney that works well. A lot less amps needed and it lasts longer than the original bulbs. I don’t know if it is still available but it’s a Protigal Halogen PLL46-1, STC SA00511SE. It’s a bit old school but the price was right. 

 

Yes!

I installed Stan Protigal's STC in 2006, after one or two GE incandescent lights died with few hours on it. STC is really using 2x100W H3 Lightbulbs you buy in Autozone. I carry a spare one but after 15+ years, I never needed it. Every now and then I look at the Whelen LED replacements but the price of PAR 46 Prometheus bulb is just crazy. And I'd need two.

 

I don't think Stan's STC is available anymore as I couldn't find a website few years ago... I get it, LED is the future.