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Thread: Position/Nav/Strobe LED Lights

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  1. #1
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
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    Default Re: Position/Nav/Strobe LED Lights

    Use (or installation) of anti-collision lights is not required under day VFR for aircraft with special airworthiness certificates (experimental amateur built).

    See: http://www.eaa.org/sportaviationmag/...quirements.pdf
    -- Paul S
    Model III SN910
    582 IVO Med

  2. #2

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    Smile Re: Position/Nav/Strobe LED Lights

    I have wired two aircraft with both on a single DTDP switch. This allows me to have strobes on without the nav lights(good on the old Whelen systems with the incandescent bulbs that like to burn out and are expensive to replace).
    Some would suggest the opposite if flying in clouds, the strobes can be distracting and you can set the switch so the middle position is nav and strobes come on in the up position.
    Lots of choices with just one switch .

  3. #3
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Position/Nav/Strobe LED Lights

    Tom & all,

    14CFR91.209 (US rules) gives pilots the operational perogative to turn off the anticollision lights if operating them is contrary to the interests of safety such as the distractions you mentioned. ....Other than that....it is pretty much like the old military saw.... "If you got 'em, light 'em up, if you don't got 'em, don't light 'em up"

    91.209 Aircraft lights.

    No person may:


    (b) Operate an aircraft that is equipped with an anticollision light system, unless it has lighted anticollision lights. However, the anticollision lights need not be lighted when the pilot-in-command determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to turn the lights off.


    Sincerely,

    Dave S
    Last edited by Dave S; 09-15-2013 at 09:33 AM.

  4. #4
    Senior Member jtpitkin06's Avatar
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    Default Re: Position/Nav/Strobe LED Lights

    Let's answer the question... Then we can get into whether or not you must turn them on.

    Yes, you should have the position lights on a separate switch from the anti collision lights. Just ask yourself if you want to be in the plane next to yours waiting for take off with strobes flashing in your eyes. As a courtesy and for safety, you need a way to turn them off separately from position lights while in the vicinity of other aircraft on the ground.

    What type of switch? The style is up to you be it rocker or toggle. For LED lights a 3 amp switch is probably OK. For incandescent lights or xenon strobes you'll need a 15 amp switch.


    When to turn them on...
    In the USA if you have anti collision lights they should be on day or night with the exception of safety as mentioned. True you don't need to install them for day on a US experimental but if you do you should use them. (FAR 209b and AIM 4-3-23)

    Transport Canada is similar to FAA but I don't see anything requiring strobes on in the day.
    Just another one of those gotchas between FAA and TC.

    JP

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