Wing mounted landing light alignment

[Moeggeploeg]

Any builders than can share how to align the landing lights before the first night flight.

Keeping in mind the round out and flare during the landing phase.

I imagine you should back off the aircraft from the hangar door at a certain distance, then aim both lights at a spot(s) on the hangar door.

How far away from the door did you position the aircraft and at which vertical and horizontal distances did you set your landing lights? (I guess taxi lights are a different issue.)

[N941WR]

Taildragger or tricycle?

Either way, pull the plane out of the hangar at night, point it down the hangar row, and turn on the lights.

If a tricycle, set the right light so it shines straight out, and set the left one so it points down ever so slightly.

If a taildragger, set the left one so it is straight out with the tail down. Raise the tail to level the plane and set the right one so it is straight out.

If a taildragger, you need to be able to operate the lights independently. If a tricycle, one switch for both lights will work.

[RVDan]

Great description. Why left vs. right?

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Originally Posted by RVDan

Great description. Why left vs. right?

Because when you are taxiing a side by side taildragger you have the best view out the left side of the airplane.

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by N941WR

Taildragger or tricycle?

Either way, pull the plane out of the hangar at night, point it down the hangar row, and turn on the lights.

If a tricycle, set the right light so it shines straight out, and set the left one so it points down ever so slightly.

If a taildragger, set the left one so it is straight out with the tail down. Raise the tail to level the plane and set the right one so it is straight out.

If a taildragger, you need to be able to operate the lights independently. If a tricycle, one switch for both lights will work.

why If a taildragger do you need to be able to operate the lights independently

[knievel]

So when you're taxiing your level forward light isn't pointed at the sky I would guess.