Leading Edge Landing Light Placement

[Tlrguy]

Hello all.

I’m curious if anyone has installed Vans Leading Edge LL Kit on the RV10 in any bay other than the most outboard as specified? I would like to install the kit on the second bay in from the wingtip (only one more bay in). I called Vans to query and got the obvious answer.

Perhaps this is overkill but, my plan is to install the Aeroled VX lights in the wingtips and use those for recog lighting while the Seven Stars lights are in the leading edge as landing lights. I seem to do a bunch of night flying into extreme black hole airports here in the Midwest and the LED landing lights on my previous Bonanza were barely up to the task (safely).

I personally think having the two light fixtures mounted so close is a little goofy looking, hence wanting to move the leading edge lights in just a bit.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[PaulvS]

The good reason against cutting a hole in the leading edge further in is that it will weaken the wing. The leading edge skin forms part of D cell that helps to give the wing its strength.

Another good functional reason to put the landing lights as far apart as possible is that with wig-wag flashing it is easier for other pilots and controllers to see you.

 

[Dustyone]

No Black holes with Flyled 7 Stars
If you want a VFR landing on the darkest nights, go with Flyleds Seven Star.
An obscene amount of light.

Per side
Flyleds Seven Star................ : 588,000 candela
Aveo Vegas Zip Tips.................: 206,000 candela
Aeroleds 100W Sunspot......... : 200,000 candela +
AeroSun VXi...............................: 150,000 candela
Aeroled EVO IV..........................: 150,000 candela
WAT Parmetheus G3 ...............: 140,000 candela
Aeroleds Microsun...................: 15,000 candela

Flyleds are the best bang for bucks in Experimental Aviation with amazing customer service.

If you are installing the Flyleds 7 star you will be landing VFR at night!

On approach to YRED in Australia,

( See the whole approach Youtube)

If you need more direct in front of you light, install the Flyled Cowl Light with the Aerosport Cowl Mount.

https://flyleds.com/products/#!/Aerosport-Products-RV-10-Cowl-light/p/227868008/category=0

 

[rocketman1988]

"...The good reason against cutting a hole in the leading edge further in is that it will weaken the wing. The leading edge skin forms part of D cell that helps to give the wing its strength..."

As leading edge lights are approved, and offered from the factory, do you not think that the design engineers took that into account?

Have you assessed the number of RV's with leading edge lights and compared that number to structural failures due to the lights?

From an engineering standpoint you are not wrong, however, your concerns about weakening the wings, in this case, are unfounded...

 

[PaulvS]

"...The good reason against cutting a hole in the leading edge further in is that it will weaken the wing. The leading edge skin forms part of D cell that helps to give the wing its strength..."

As leading edge lights are approved, and offered from the factory, do you not think that the design engineers took that into account?

Have you assessed the number of RV's with leading edge lights and compared that number to structural failures due to the lights?

From an engineering standpoint you are not wrong, however, your concerns about weakening the wings, in this case, are unfounded...

Bob,
The OP asked ahout putting the landing lights further inboard than the factory approved bay location. Vans approves the most outboard bay (adjacent to the wing tip) but not the bays that are further inboard. Vans Support has already advised OP of this when he inquired as stated in post #1. So, no I certainly do not believe it is a good idea to weaken the wing by cutting a hole in the leading edge of other than the approved bay.

 

[Tlrguy]

OP here. I wouldn’t necessarily say Vans said don’t move the lights in one bay. Vans did say that all the structures testing on the wing in this regard was with the light cutout in the outboard most bay and as always, this is experimental aviation so your free to do as you please.

If there is a certain Ken reading this post, what are your thoughts on the matter?

 

[rocketman1988]

Bob,
The OP asked ahout putting the landing lights further inboard than the factory approved bay location. Vans approves the most outboard bay (adjacent to the wing tip) but not the bays that are further inboard. Vans Support has already advised OP of this when he inquired as stated in post #1. So, no I certainly do not believe it is a good idea to weaken the wing by cutting a hole in the leading edge of other than the approved bay.

Thanks!, Yes I missed that...

 

[simpsonstu]

Resurrecting this thread, has anyone placed a light fitting in the inner sections by the wing root, it’s only a small easily removable panel on the -10? I’ve seen someone has done it in the US and I spoke to Paul at FlyLed’s and he said it had been done. Question is does the prop get in the way of the light beams, and is an Aerosport cowl light not just as easy to install, as I’m guessing you’d have to get leading edge Perspex covers made etc. Does anyone know which aircraft did install in the wing roof/leading edge so I can see what they think. Do Vans allow it as it’s still non structural behind?

Cheers Stu

 

[Kyle Boatright]

The fuselage will get in the way. You’ll block almost half of the beam. The net will be more light at the periphery of the runway and less in front of the aircraft.

 

[simpsonstu]

Ah ok cheers Kyle I think the Aerosport cowl is the way forward

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Resurrecting this thread, has anyone placed a light fitting in the inner sections by the wing root, it’s only a small easily removable panel on the -10? I’ve seen someone has done it in the US and I spoke to Paul at FlyLed’s and he said it had been done. Question is does the prop get in the way of the light beams, and is an Aerosport cowl light not just as easy to install, as I’m guessing you’d have to get leading edge Perspex covers made etc. Does anyone know which aircraft did install in the wing roof/leading edge so I can see what they think. Do Vans allow it as it’s still non structural behind?

Cheers Stu

Stu, where you place the lights is a personal preference, but the outboard bay on the wing is easy, allows for easy maintenance, and provides the opportunity to mount a gazillion (slight exaggeration) different lights as the technology changes. I'd be really tempted to put 'em there as opposed to creating an installation that limits your flexibility going forward.

 

[rocketman1988]

I have the LE lights in the outboard bays as recommended, in my -10. I find that they leave a black hole directly in front of the aircraft. I have the Baja Designs spots, so that is part of the issue; something like the flyleds seven star with a flood would help. \

Anyway, I wanted to have taxi lights. I have the showplanes cowl, so the aero sport light won't work. I decided to install a flyleds dual spot in both wing roots. It actually works really well, and the install wasn't that hard. So that puts 4800 lumens directly in front of the aircraft. You can see the prop shadow if you are using them in flight but it has never been an issue...and people have said they can see the lights from a long distance...

 

[simpsonstu]

Ah interesting , did you just make a mount for the double spots? How did you curve the Perspex to cover the leading edge wing root, did you just bend a thin piece or get it made?

Cheers Stu

 

[rocketman1988]

Ah interesting , did you just make a mount for the double spots? How did you curve the Perspex to cover the leading edge wing root, did you just bend a thin piece or get it made?

Cheers Stu

I actually had a spare set of lenses that I used but I did make a set from plexi heated with a heat gun and draped over the leading edge.

Yes I just made a simple mount to hold the spot board.