Consider these factors when deciding whether to upgrade your aircraft lighting. High-quality lighting is crucial to the success of any rotorcraft fleet. From landing lights and anticollision lights that ensure safety and compliance to lamps that enable a specific function—such as searchlights for police, firefighting, and rescue operations—securing the proper illumination can make a huge difference in a mission’s success. Whether you’re looking for a lasting option for a new helicopter or seeking to retrofit an older aircraft with a higher-quality lighting solution, identifying the type of lamp that best fits your needs entails considering a variety of factors, including brightness, regulatory compliance, financial impact, and maintenance requirements. As with any decision involving a significant financial commitment, it’s important to evaluate your choices using a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis that starts with an extensive assessment of your current lamps and infrastructure. Evaluate Your Existing Infrastructure When determining whether to upgrade your lighting, be sure to include in your assessment a detailed examination of the types, number, costs, and benefits of your current lamps. This will allow you to compare your existing inventory with prospective upgrades. In addition to ascertaining the average life span of individual lamps, gather key data points such as the frequency and cost of changeouts, the amount of downtime required for lighting-related repairs and maintenance, and the availability of replacement parts. Evaluate the infrastructure of your existing lighting systems to determine whether more comprehensive upgrades are necessary to accommodate a new lamp type. Whereas more-recent helicopter models have built-in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or can accommodate LED lamps, older aircraft often must undergo larger-scale system upgrades to be compatible with more advanced lighting systems. If you determine that significant reengineering is necessary for a successful lighting upgrade, factor in the estimated up-front cost of such an overhaul as part of your cost–benefit analysis. Assess the Cost of Upgrading to LED The bottom line is that upgrading to LED lamps can result in notable cost savings and reduced energy consumption over time. The incredibly long lifespan of LEDs is among the more compelling reasons to make the switch, as a single LED lamp lasts approximately 50,000 hours, compared with 2,000 to 4,000 hours for halogen lamps and 800 hours for incandescent lamps. Although LED lamps are typically more expensive than shorter-lived alternatives, your cost–benefit analysis may reveal that the reduced need for replacements will cancel out the high initial cost of choosing LEDs. The materials that make up LED products can range from commercial to military grade, with commercial options costing less depending on the strength and degree of durability your aircraft requires. Although you will have to replace LEDs less frequently, the need for changeouts will still arise on occasion, so factor in the availability of replacement parts and the cost of hiring a specialized mechanic to perform installations and maintenance. Though LEDs have their advantages, they can be prohibitively expensive for many aircraft operators and managers. A less-costly alternative would be to keep your existing lamps or upgrade to higher-quality halogen lighting. Halogen options, which offer durability and bright light, are usually readily available from manufacturers or suppliers. Although halogen systems require maintenance and changeout-related costs over time, they’re generally compatible with older lighting systems and involve a much lower cost per lamp than do LED upgrades. Consult an Experienced Manufacturer Making an informed choice about a lighting upgrade includes comparing the costs and energy savings of each potential option with those of your existing system. Doing so makes it possible to determine whether an upgrade is financially viable, and, if so, which lamp type best suits your budget. During your cost–benefit analysis, consult a qualified lamp manufacturer about the best options for your aircraft. When selecting a manufacturer, prioritize well-established companies that have a diverse product line, since this demonstrates that they’re experienced in creating myriad lighting systems rather than focusing on a single product. Partnering with a quality manufacturer also makes it easier to ensure that the company’s lighting systems comply with FAA regulations. As the landscape of aircraft lighting technologies continues to evolve, a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis that compares your existing exterior lighting system with prospective upgrades will help you evaluate the viability of an overhaul that fits your budgetary constraints while aligning with both your short- and long-term aircraft goals. Hi, I'm John Fogel
