Beacon help

[Greg Bockelman]

Thanks Howard. I didn't even know how to research the historical FARs. I've gone through and read all that. To say the least, 23.1317 is a bit contradictory.

Be that as it may, those parts do not exist in the current Part 23. And I see no reference to any exceptions in the current Part 23 or 91.

For what it's worth, I don't have a copy of Norm's "bible", i.e. Aircraft Spruce, nor do I normally go perusing Part 23 for my General Operating and Flight Rules. My sole reference for those matters is FAR Part 61 and 91. If it isn't mentioned there, or at least reference made to another part, I have to figure it doesn't exist, hence my sparing with Norm.

I still maintain, even after reading this material, that an anticollision light system is required on all aircraft that are used to fly at night. But I can still be proven wrong. It just hasn't happened yet.

Cheers.

[jgerard]

flashing lights

I have quite a few hours flying an old L4 cub with a relay wired into to position lights that makes them blink on and off like the turnsignals on your car. One summer night a few of us went out flying and I was the last to depart (in a c-150) and as I was trying to catch up to the other 2 aircraft (the L4 and a Champ) I was able to see the flashing position lights on the cub much better from all angles than the white strobe light on the champ! It may not be FAA approved but it sure works great.

Jason

[ROllerton]

The real issue is, do you want to fly at night, around airports, without one?

I don't. If it was my bird, and I was going to do some night flying, I would get one installed.

There are the rules, and then their is your own common sense.

Oh well, its been fun reading what my brother Norm has to say.

bob.

[NY86]

Well, Norm was wrong about this last year and nothing has changed.

Here are the rules in plane [sic] English.

1. If you have a US registered plane and want to fly at night, legally, you need an approved anticollision lighting system.

2. If your plane was certified before a certain date, which escapes me, but which includes most T-craft, and T-Rex, you can get away with an installation that meets earlier requirements. A single strobe or beacon, prpperly placed, will fit the bill.

3. If you have an anticollision lighting system installed you MUST have it turned on, EVEN IN THE DAYTIME.

Nothing else matters.

That said, folks are gonna do what folks are gonna do...

That was my story last year, that's my story now, and I'm sticking to it!

[ROllerton]

I still love my brother Norm.

[stormman]

Columbia?
probably be there in my motorhome for two days , BUT im bringing my wife for Protection from you guys so everyone that wants to kick my ass , wear red and enter through that pasture west of the airport with the little tame cows in it.

The AOPA did answer it one year but the skeptics wanted his name, rank and serial number
Inquiring minds what to know and in having it tattoo on my ass when i find it. but i have TWO FS4400 flight strobes so what the hell

I love you guys and thats why i put up wiyh you. or is it the other way around?

Im still right and im putting that on my grave stone!

[Buck]

Fascinating and educational!

Thanks to all who replied

I'll let you know if I find an STC for adding a beacon. (More fuel for the fire? )

[Howard Wilson]

Just to follow up on that 310 with the dangling nose wheel. Looks like he got down with out hurting himself. Can't tell from the picture whether the props got it or not., probably at least need a little new skin on the nose? There's a picture right now at: www.fredericknewspost.com don't know how long it'll be there. Howard

[stormman]

strobe STC

Buck
what you will get is a 337
Mark Julicher has sent me a copy dated Feb 20 2001 and i suggest you get hold of him . If no contact i could fax u 1 . but i prefer Mark do that. Its a mid fuselage mounted Strobe using AC 43.13-2A Meets the requirements of FAR 23.1351 , 23.1357 , 23.1365 , 23.1367 . 23.1401 and of course the all inportant Stormmannorman "Ratshit up the Kazoo " installation using generous amounts of Astrolube and the BFH.
Have not hear Much from Mark lately because of the complex new forum i believe. or maybe he's tired of me.
u still don't have to have one though

[airacer]

lights

Hi Gang,

I'm an A&P, I.A. and pilot, I side with Norm... reading and trying to figure out regs can leave one spent.

The FAA attempts to TRY to protect most of the population from falling objects SO THEY ESTABLISH MINIMUMS. With this said, if I were to fly at nite more than a couple times a year, I would install a beacon...

Happy flying to all (even liberals).

[NY86]

Many strobes come with STCs that cover a wide range of planes. Whelen covers just about everything with wings and an engine. Others (Universal) may cover less. That said, a field approval is pretty simple in this case. I've never had one even inspected by the FAA, much less denied.

[Jim Hartley]

Re: flashing lights

Jason I think you have the simplest solution with out adding to much hardware. The key is to see from all angles and the wing tips along with a tail light make for generally unobstructed viewing from another aircraft. Most likely you will always see two of three lights and when blinking your peripheral will catch it quickly. I would opt for that system over a belly,back or vertical stabilizer strobe in a minute.

By the way...where was the strobe positioned on the Champ?

Jim

Originally posted by jgerard
I have quite a few hours flying an old L4 cub with a relay wired into to position lights that makes them blink on and off like the turnsignals on your car. One summer night a few of us went out flying and I was the last to depart (in a c-150) and as I was trying to catch up to the other 2 aircraft (the L4 and a Champ) I was able to see the flashing position lights on the cub much better from all angles than the white strobe light on the champ! It may not be FAA approved but it sure works great.

Jason

[paulp]

Beacon installation

Buck,

I don't know if this will help but my 45 BC12-d had a Grimes rotating beacon installed in 4-18-77. It was done by an A&P/IA on a 337 which states in part: Insatllation in accordance with AC 43.13-2. There is then a small electrical diagram showing a 5a amp fuse down stream from the electrical bus. In addition, there was a placard posted that said "continious electrical load exceeds 80% of GEN. capicity.

Hope this helps.

[jgerard]

The strobe was located about 5' foreward of the tailpost on the belly of the Champ. If there is a TSO'd flasher relay available someone should look at getting an STC approval / kit. Do we have any DAR / DER reps out there looking to make a few extra $$$. I can't think of how installing an FAA approved relay (using AC43.13 as a guide) to have the position lights flash would be a problem. Someone already has a kit that makes landing lights pulse! why not position lights? And then you could include wording in the STC that allows true night operations without a beacon or stobe lights. Does anyone on this list work for the FAA?

Jason

[David Price]

Well NORM, I hope to see you there.

Here is what AOPA had to say:


Thank you for contacting AOPA. If the aircraft was certified without an
electrical system and a beacon, none is required. It is FAR 91.205, found on
our website at http://www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-91.html

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have. Have a
nice day.

Ian Twombly
Aviation Services Department
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
1-800-872-2672




Have been out of town looking at a home, hanger,2500' grass strip and 100+acres.
Sure hope this all comes togeather

4hrs. today! It was great!