Aircraft Lighting Systems

Group 5Alex SimpsonMark Gabbard

19 September 2006

Overview

Exterior Lighting Interior Lighting Emergency Lighting

Exterior Lighting

Specifically regulated by FAR Requires several systems for

transport category aircraft Landing lights (FAR 25.1383) Position lights (FAR 25.1385-95) Anti-collision lights (FAR 25.1401)

Exterior Lighting

Position lights

Anti-collision lights

Landing lights

C-130 from www.af.mil

Landing Lights

Light for night landing

On wing leading edge or landing gear

28V DC or 115V AC 600W Taxi lights, 250W

Boeing 757 from www.pbase.com/airlinerphotos/aviation_night

Position Lights Also called

Navigation lights Red on left

wingtip Green on right White on tail 28V DC or 115 V

AChttp://www.aopa.org/online_gallery/

Anti-Collision Lights

Red or white flashing 40-100 cycles per min Must illuminate the vital areas Red beacon on vertical tail White strobes on wingtips Strobes or beacons on top and

bottom of fuselage

Other exterior lights Cargo loading

lights Wing icing

detection lights (required) Cannot cause

glare or reflection that impairs crew (FAR 25.1403)

C-17 from www.af.mil

Interior Lighting

Cockpit lighting Instrument lighting

Cabin lighting

Cockpit Lighting Instrument lighting

Must illuminate each essential instrument and switch

Direct rays must be shielded from pilot’s eyes

Must provide dimming control

A340 cockpit fromwww.mmlane.com/flying/

Cockpit Lighting Interior lights to

allow crew to perform other functions

Not regulated Often red to

preserve night vision 767 Cockpit from www.boeing.com

Cabin Lights Varies

significantly by aircraft type and purpose

Usually overhead fluorescent lights

28 volts DC

767 cabin from www.boeing.com

Emergency Lighting

Required by FAR 25.812 Must include exit marking signs,

general cabin illumination, floor escape path lighting, and exterior emergency lighting

Must be battery powered and separate from main electrical system

Conclusion

Exterior Lighting Interior Lighting Emergency Lighting

References Federal Aviation Regulations

http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf

Pallett, E. H. J. Aircraft Electrical Systems. Longman Scientific & Technical. 1987.

Eisman, T. K. et.al. Aircraft Electricity and Electronics. McGraw-Hill. 1989.

QUESTIONS?