Aircraft Lighting Systems Group 5 Alex Simpson Mark 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 ) Position lights (FAR ) Anti-collision lights (FAR )
Exterior Lighting Position lights Anti-collision lights Landing lights C-130 from
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 /aviation_night
Position Lights Also called Navigation lights Red on left wingtip Green on right White on tail 28V DC or 115 V AC
Anti-Collision Lights Red or white flashing 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 ) C-17 from
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 from
Cockpit Lighting Interior lights to allow crew to perform other functions Not regulated Often red to preserve night vision 767 Cockpit from
Cabin Lights Varies significantly by aircraft type and purpose Usually overhead fluorescent lights 28 volts DC 767 cabin from
Emergency Lighting Required by FAR 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 and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf Pallett, E. H. J. Aircraft Electrical Systems. Longman Scientific & Technical Eisman, T. K. et.al. Aircraft Electricity and Electronics. McGraw-Hill
QUESTIONS?