Best Drop-In Replacement Landing Light Bulb

[FlyingMonkey]

I know this has been discussed a few times...

 

I need to replace my landing light bulb, and want something that can just drop-in as a replacement. An LED is preferred, but I don't want to re-engineer anything, just want to replace it and go. What is the current best option for that? The lens in front of the bulb also has a crack in it, so an option that deletes that lens or otherwise mitigates it would be an added bonus.

 

Thanks!

[FlyingMonkey]

I know the LEDs are often less bright than the factory bulb, is it a huge difference or just kind of "a bit" less bright? I'd rather have 60% bright at 20W than 100% bright at 80W.

[Al Downs]

I replaced mine with a LED quite awhile ago. It is brighter than original and has worked flawlessly since installation. Offhand I don't remember the part # or source but I did find it on this site. Maybe somebody with a better memory can point you in the right direction.

[Al Downs]

This is what I used.

Aurora V5 7w 38d WW MR16 GX5.3 / GU5.3.

Just google to find a vendor

[FlyingMonkey]

Al, is this the one?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-GX5-3-GU5-3-Series-White/dp/B0049I7XTA

 

Did it drop right in place? I'll compare it to the one Roger linked.

[FlyingMonkey]

http://www.1000bulbs.../LED-00233.html

 

There are others and someone may post 1-2.

 

Now for a more subjective question:

 

Roger, the bulb you posted has a 20° beam. According to the spec sheet, that bulb will light a 5.3 foot circle at 15 feet. The same company makes the same bulb with a different lens that has a 36° beam, lighting a 9.7 foot circle at 15 feet (albeit more dimly, of course). So basically one throws light farther in a narrower arc, and the other throws light in an area twice as wide and presumably half as bright.

 

I'm almost certainly *never* going to use this as a real landing light, seeing as I'm a Sport Pilot and all. What I do use the landing light for is as an anti-collision light when entering the pattern or in poor lighting. For example, I was flying home at dusk the other day right into the setting sun which was right on the horizon. There was no way I'd see an airplane in front of me, so I turned on the landing light to give other planes ahead (with the sun at their back) a better chance to see me.

 

So the question is, what works better in this anti-collision role, a wider beam so a larger cone of traffic can see it, or a narrower beam that casts light farther out in the narrow cone dead ahead where the most dangerous traffic is from a collision perspective? Discuss, and please show all your work.

[CT4ME]

Chanik (Kurt) has done a lot of research on this, especially as it concerns LED replacements. Search the forums, there should be a thread.

Tim

[WmInce]

What about the ground taxi considerations?

Wider beam?

[Al Downs]

The one I referenced a few post up works very well on the ground and light your way much better than the original. If fits in just like the original.

[Eagle Wings]

I installed the 11.5w bulb on the link Roger gave above and it appears to be brighter than the original and does not affect the electrical system. It also allows air to flow thru the fins and keep cool. I'm happy with it and it drops right in bob

[FlyingMonkey]

I went ahead and bought the bulb Roger suggested. I'll post results once it's installed.

[Runtoeat]

Andy, I bought one two weeks ago but they said these were back ordered and should be available to ship on 12/10/13

[FlyingMonkey]

Dick they have one in stock with the same specs but 10 less lumens output. I think the Roger recommended one is 600 lumens and part number ends is 0233, the one I got is 590 lumens and part number ends in 0235.

[chanik]

The Soraa bulb has 20% more lumens out than the Aeon V5, notwithstanding the AEON claims to the contrary. The 0233 lumens are about the same as the 100W halogen, just at 11.5W input power.

[FlyingMonkey]

The Soraa bulb has 20% more lumens out than the Aeon V5, notwithstanding the AEON claims to the contrary. The 0233 lumens are about the same as the 100W halogen, just at 11.5W input power.

 

Is 11.5 watts low enough that I can just run it all the time?

[chanik]

Sure. Less than 1Amp draw

[Aero-Nut]

Resurrecting the thread.. Appears the Soraa 00233 has not been available for a while. With the improved technology the Soraa 00957 puts out the same light but using lower power. Instead of 11.5 watts it now uses 9 watts. Only difference is instead of a 20 degree beam the new one is 25 so still a narrow beam. Now using .75 amps...

[Tom Baker]

Flight Design has an approved LED replacement, or at least they did. It was either $79 or $89 with LOA for installation.

[Aero-Nut]

According to their website they do again. Per the specs I received I believe these are the ones they are using now. I think he said they are $89.00 plus an additional $65.00 for the LOA... But for those that have ELSA or want to pursue your own LOA these may fit the bill...

[Aero-Nut]

Arian corrected me... It is no longer called an LOA... It is now an MRA.

[Anticept]

An LOA is the response that they give you authorizing the install (letter of authorization). MRA is what YOU will out . Though they don't seem to write letters anymore, they just stamp your MRA!