Wingtip Strobes

[eft]

I have a '79 M20K with Hoskins Nav and Strobe lights.  The power supply and the light/base (PN 7839) are both bad on one wing. It appears that I have three options:

1. Replace the bad power supply ($300) and HOPE that I can find a Hoskins PN 7839 light/base. (see attached picture) So far no luck on the light/base.
2. Convert the bad power supply ($300) and light/base ($250) to Whelan which requires a 337
3. Convert everything including NAV lights to LED of which there are two options, both TSO'd and do not require the 337
   • Aeroled, Pulsar model (1080-b/c) for $1190 which includes the tail position light http://www.aeroleds.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=VgPG5vCTuB4%3d&tabid=6270&mid=13206

      

   • AVEO, Ultragalactical model for $1,200

     http://www.aveogroup.com/aveo-shop/galactica-c-series/68-ultra-embedded-wing-set-of-2-green-and-red-with-white.html

Any recent experience with any of these options?

[Jeev]

I have tne AVEO's and though expensive they look very cool and are very bright, I would go that way.  Every exterior light on my J is LED and I love them.  I have the full Whelan power supply's, strobes and position lights I took of my J that work perfect, I will sell them for $200 if you want them and decide not to go with the LED's.  Let me know via PM.

 

Good luck,

Sanjeev

[SkyBound]

I am also waiting to make the same change to my '79 K.

 

AVEO also has the 6-in-1 light set that they are saying should have an STC for any moment that I am hoping to install:

 

http://www.aveoengineering.com/index.php/product-info-aveomaxx-6in1

 

--Alex

[Bennett]

Really hope that the 6-in-one AVEO unit gets an STC soon.  I have them installed in my J, and with the rotary switch I also had installed, will alternate (two speeds), pulse (two speeds) or stay on or off.  I had to go through the 337 process, with a field inspection, and I understands that most FISDOs will not approve the units.  The STC should solve that problem.  I had the back and side bulkheads overlayed with mirrored plastic, and that helps with reflectivity, and brightens the flash, etc. 

[M016576]

Have you considered the Whelen Orion 600's? Still expensive, but look pretty sharp. Not sure if they require a 337 or not...

[NotarPilot]

I recently installed the Orion 600 and went through a whole learning process about this. I had different FAA people tell me different things. Here's the final verdict in my opinion.

I consider it a minor alteration and so did my IA AND a guy from the San Diego FSDO I spoke with over the phone. My local Long Beach FSDO and the Van Nuys FSDO think it's a major alteration requiring a 337. Hows that for consistency? I wholeheartedly disagree with that. If you read part 43 I think it's easily arguably that it's a minor alteration. With that, my IA signed my airframe logbook with the changes made and submitted a 337 for the work even though it was only a minor alteration. Keep in mine a 337 form is titled "Major Alteration."

The 337 was submitted so there's a record with the FAA on what was done to the plane in case I sell it someday. This was also what the San Diego FSDO guy said I could do. You don't need to get the 337 approved for a minor or even major alteration (depending on the circumstances for the latter) to do this so don't be worried about doing a 337. I'll even send you mine as an example. Just find yourself an IA with a level head who isn't going to make a minor alteration into an unnecessary major alteration.