LED replacement for Rotating Beacon

Tailwheel Rick

Tailwheel Rick

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Joined
Dec 28, 2019
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35
Location
Ridgeway, VA
I'm ready to replace the original rotating beacon on my 79 GCBC with a non-rotating LED replacement that flashes versus a motorized rotating one. I believe I have heard there is a replacement option that fits perfectly where the old rotating model is mounted. Does anyone have a part number/name/model? Thanks
 
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Whelen Orion 360 Beacon LED Lighting FAA TSO | Aircraft Spruce ®

Whelen Orion 360 Beacon LED Lighting FAA TSO ORION 360 Beacons are the 4th Generation LED beacons for fixed wing aircraft. These are designed to replace legacy 2.6 and 3.67 round beacons. ORION 360 beacons are lower profile than legacy prod
www.aircraftspruce.com www.aircraftspruce.com
This is the latest offering from Whelen. Different base sizes to replace your particular beacon.
Unfortunately; since Aeroflash closed up shop Whelen's prices are climbing faster than the Streak Eagle...

Chris
 
I've got an issue with mine on a 68 7ECA. I replaced the bulb, when putting it back together it won't rotate after I tighten the clamp. The light stays on but it stops rotating. I've checked connections and grounding but only thing I can think is the motor is getting resistance somehow to stop it. The only solution I found was to get a longer bolt for the clamp and have it barley tight enough to keep the darn thing on. Any other ideas?
 
dneill079 said:
I've got an issue with mine on a 68 7ECA. I replaced the bulb, when putting it back together it won't rotate after I tighten the clamp. The light stays on but it stops rotating. I've checked connections and grounding but only thing I can think is the motor is getting resistance somehow to stop it. The only solution I found was to get a longer bolt for the clamp and have it barley tight enough to keep the darn thing on. Any other ideas?
Click to expand...


I have an extra in my parts pile if you need it. Can you post a pic of the one you have? Maybe I can try to help if it's the same as the one I've got.
 
Bartman said:
I have an extra in my parts pile if you need it. Can you post a pic of the one you have? Maybe I can try to help if it's the same as the one I've got.
Click to expand...
Here is it on the plane. Let me know if you need an internal pic. Thanks!
 

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Reviving this.

I just purchased the Whelen Orion 360 strobe light to replace the red rotation beacon. Black Friday Sale

Has anyone installed this? I removed the red beacon to look at the configuration, it is NOT a plug and play exact fit.

I saw there is an adaptor (A 440) the Whelen sells for the Orion 360. Does anyone have any experience that this adaptor would work as a easy retrofit for my A&P?

I did call ACA, they were not familiar with the Orion retrofit.

Thank you!
 
What about just removing the guts and putting a flashing led bulb in?

Personally I’d just delete it 🤷‍♂️
 
Found this pic

1766677483544.webp

If the holes in the adapter match up to the old beacon's holes, it looks like it ought to be pretty straightforward for your A&P to install. Maybe a schmear of RTV along the seam to keep water from running between the adapter and the base of the light.
 
“What about just removing the guts and putting a flashing led bulb in?”

Like this? Stuck a matching one on the belly. Mounted it in an inspection cover by the low fuel drain - according to the Anchorage FAA no paperwork required that way.

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Last edited:
Yes, I second that. For older airplanes, all you need is to perform some kind of test for visibility and make a logbook entry. There are flashers out there that are quite good and do not cost $600 per bulb.

Look how unobtrusive this one is:

Cub with N number gone.webp
 
Merry Christmas all!

Thank you for the all the feedback. I think the picture from Bart is exactly what I was thinking. I purchased the adaptor, should be here next week. I think it will match the old beacon setup. Should be plug and play now.

I will give everyone an update with pictures.
 
Bob Turner said:
Yes, I second that. For older airplanes, all you need is to perform some kind of test for visibility and make a logbook entry. There are flashers out there that are quite good and do not cost $600 per bulb.
Click to expand...

If you have part numbers to share, it would be appreciated. I'm curious to see what you guys are using. Thanks!
 
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