Nav lights

[Dcsmjs]

Looking to install nav lights on my 7AC Champ, no electrical system, so battery operated only. The wings have the wires run in them already. Is there a manufacturer who makes an add on light system for aircraft like mine? Anyone have experience doing this?
Thanks

 

[Bob Turner]

Grimes. Try a salvage yard first. You will also need a beacon.

These things have gone from giveaway to not at all cheap. I can buy a really good LED strobe that fits a bayonet socket for $15, but if it says airplane on it it is closer to $600.

 

[JackC]

You’re going to 100% want LEDs if you’re running this off battery, unless you add a wind generator or something.

Think there’s some relief of the whole TSO deal on lights, or at least replacing bulbs with LEDs. Landing lights on my 185 are not TSOed, but neither where the old GE incandescents they can with, same P/N so…

Think there’s also a way to run strobes on the nav lights (like the dual mode ones) and not need a beacon depending on viewable light angles

Non TSO

https://www.aero-lites.com/product-page/aircraft-tailfin-navigation-light

TSO 45w

NavStrobe Sextant Aircraft Navigation System with Constant & Fast Strobes 45w FAA-TSO | Aircraft Spruce ®

NavStrobe Sextant Aircraft Navigation System with Constant & Fast Strobes 45w FAA-TSO These bulbs are standard parts and have been designed to meet the requirements of TSO-C30c.

www.aircraftspruce.com

On the angles
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-30B.pdf

 

[Bob Turner]

I think the strobe has to be either red or white. Otherwise, these would be the solution. Spruce used to have bulbs that did that exact thing for $35 each. They were white, so you kept your original lens.

I am dreaming of a really good tail strobe. I have one now with the xenon flash tube, and it is really elegant - but they don't make them like that any more. (My Dec has the Whalen Comet flash; the neat strobe is on the J3)