M-10 Cadet Landing Light Bulbs.

[M10-Owen]

Hey all, I've got a 1970 Cadet in need of a new landing light and taxi light. I've been getting a bit of a run around from Univair on what part numbers correspond to the bulbs and lenses for the cadet. One would think they would like to sell the parts they have in inventory, but alas they are quite cryptic when it comes to assisting with purchasing. If anyone happens to know the sizing of the bulbs, I'd really like to upgrade these to LEDs anyway, but I'm not sure if there is an aftermarket part that is suitable. One would think this would be the same as the Ercoupe although there's not a lot of consensuses as to what the correct bulb for that is either (some models have nose wheel lights, some have cowl lights, some have wing lights like the cadet). Any help would be appreciated! 

[EricJ]

What's the diameter of the lights?    They're likely either PAR46 (46 8ths of an inch, or ~5.75" diameter), or PAR36, (36 8ths of an inch, or ~4.5" diameter).   Taxi lights tend to have wider beams than landing lights, with landing lights in the 10 degree range.   If you just look for the appropriate diameter light (or just look for PAR46 or PAR36 12V replacements), with reasonable beam widths for spot and taxi, you'll probably find a ton of options online at amazon and ebay and many other places.   Landing/taxi lights are one of those places where there really aren't any requirements other than they "provide illumination" and are "safe for operation", i.e., they won't set fire to your airplane.

Many of the PAR46 and PAR36 LED lamp replacements are drop-in and have the same or similar size and electrical connections as the original bulbs, so installation is usually easy.

 

[M10-Owen]

Hey Eric! Thank you for the pointer. Posting this so anyone else can see for reference, the M10 has PAR36 Landing and Taxi lights. I went with the Whelen Parmetheus G3 P36G3L, though still trying to figure out if I can drop it in myself. The M10 is not on the model list for any LED PAR36 lights I can find, but the PMA may still cover it. One of those nice FAA grey areas. I'll update this when I hear back from Whelen.   

[EricJ]

48 minutes ago, M10-Owen said:

Hey Eric! Thank you for the pointer. Posting this so anyone else can see for reference, the M10 has PAR36 Landing and Taxi lights. I went with the Whelen Parmetheus G3 P36G3L, though still trying to figure out if I can drop it in myself. The M10 is not on the model list for any LED PAR36 lights I can find, but the PMA may still cover it. One of those nice FAA grey areas. I'll update this when I hear back from Whelen.   

Landing and taxi lights are the most open, unregulated component on the airplane, you really can put just about anything in there as long as it is safe.   And changing lights falls under Preventive Maintenance that any owner/operator can do, and landing lights are the area specifically allowed by Part 42 Appendix A where the wiring is included under Preventive Maintenance.   So if you need to change the wiring or connectors for the landing light or taxi light, you are allowed to do so if you are an owner/operator.    Just be sure to record any maintenance that you do per FAR 43.9.   

[carusoam]

13 hours ago, M10-Owen said:

Hey Eric! Thank you for the pointer. Posting this so anyone else can see for reference, the M10 has PAR36 Landing and Taxi lights. I went with the Whelen Parmetheus G3 P36G3L, though still trying to figure out if I can drop it in myself. The M10 is not on the model list for any LED PAR36 lights I can find, but the PMA may still cover it. One of those nice FAA grey areas. I'll update this when I hear back from Whelen.   

Eric is always helpful… 

and we also have a really good Whelen guy around here if you need any help regarding the new bulb you are trying to use… See what electrical connectors the plane has already…. Often, the landing lights use a ‘blade’ style connector(?)@OSUAV8TER

 Best regards,

-a-