Aircraft landing lights are essential components of any aircraft. Landing lights illuminate the runway, helping the pilot take off and ensuring a safe landing when they return. Thanks to recent advances in lighting technology, many airlines are swapping out their old bulbs with LEDs. Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are brighter, use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. If you’re in the market for aviation lighting, here’s everything you need to know about aircraft landing bulbs.
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How Do You Use Aircraft Landing Bulbs?
Heavy-duty aircraft lights illuminate the runway below the aircraft. These lights allow the pilot to see the runway when they land and take off, increasing the level of safety for everyone on board. Typically, pilots only use these lights when they’re within 10,000 feet of the runway. If they spot another aircraft nearby, pilots can use aircraft lamps to make their plane more visible.
Aircraft lamps can reach an impressive 600 watts. These bulbs are so bright that they will damage the eyesight of anyone who looks at them from a close range. Instead of a large floodlight, aircraft bulbs offer a concentrated beam that focuses exclusively on the runway. Aircraft lights work in conjunction with other bulbs on the plane to ensure a safe takeoff, trip and landing.
Are LED Bulbs Worth The Cost?
LED bulbs can be a little pricey, so some airlines are reluctant to make the switch. However, LED bulbs are much cheaper in the long run. While traditional bulbs have a short life, LED lights last up to fifty times longer than incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are much brighter than traditional bulbs but use less energy. As a result, they don’t heat up as much as traditional bulbs, making them safer to handle.
In recent years, Americans have started switching out the old lightbulbs in their house with LEDs. LED bulbs have taken over just about every industry, including airlines and transportation. While traditional bulbs remain stagnant, LED bulbs keep getting better. Manufacturers release new bulbs every year or so that are brighter and more efficient than previous models. You don’t need to buy a new set of bulbs every year, but you can look forward to more advancements when you finally replace your LED aircraft bulbs.
When Should You Switch Out LED Bulbs?
Unless there’s a major advancement, you probably won’t need to switch out your LED aircraft light bulbs for at least five years. Some LED bulbs last up to 50,000 hours–for comparison, that’s less than 9,000 hours in an entire year. You could wait for your bulbs to burn out before you buy a new set or replace your bulbs when advancements in technology make it worth the cost. LED bulbs improve every year, but it’s typically in small increments.
What Should You Look for in an Aircraft Landing Bulb?
Lightbulbs might seem like a small component of an aircraft, but no airplane could operate without a set of high-quality aircraft lamps. Here’s what you should look for when you buy aircraft bulbs online:
- LED bulbs with the latest advancements in technology
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products that are high-quality but affordable
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified suppliers that meet worldwide standards
- Manufacturer warranties for extra security
- Suppliers with knowledgeable employees who work exclusively with lighting
- Businesses that have worked with aircraft companies who can vouch for their service
LED bulbs have brought a new level of technology to aircraft lamps. If you want to upgrade your current lights, order LED aircraft landing lights online from a trustworthy manufacturer. Aircraft lamps are essential for safe landings and takeoffs, and traditional bulbs might not be as effective as they could be.
