RV-12 Lights

Geico266 · #1 10-26-2009, 11:13 AM

Rumor has it the -12 was at the Copper State Fly In over the weekend with the position lights installed. How about landing lights?

From what I heard the lights can be added without opening up the wing tips. That would be huge!

Anyone get any pics?

pazmanyflyer · #2 10-26-2009, 12:16 PM

I'm not at the LSA stage (age) yet but while I was meandering thru the LSA vendors I took a quick look the 12. IIRC, they had the Aero Led Pulsar position lights installed. They installed these much like they did on the older wingtips. They fab'd up a glass fairing that the light attaches to and then that attaches to the wing tip. Sorry no pictures, I left my camera behind.

Tony_T · #3 10-26-2009, 12:55 PM

I inquired by email a week ago and Ken S. came back and said they were installing the lights on the prototype (last week). That probably means they will be available very soon. I mentioned that I had not completely closed out my wingtips because waiting to see the light kit. He said that since the lights were designed to be installed on a completed airplane and that probably would not do me a lot of good. But, just guessing where the light will be, and how big a hole will be made, makes me wonder how hard it will be on a completed wing to reach clear back in there to that last rib where the string is taped, pull off the tape and retrieve the string?

Tony

gblwy · #4 10-26-2009, 04:49 PM

My guess is you drill out the hand-hold rivets. Only a handful, and that should provide sufficient access...

Cheers...Keith

LIMA HOTEL · #5 10-28-2009, 08:23 AM

I talked to Ken at Van's yesterday and he said the plans for the light package and the auto pilot were just about finished. He said the next step after plans is to fabricate parts. He also said the Dynon 100 is being installed in the red 12 now and plans for that option are being worked on. He expected all three of these options will be released before the end of November.

On another note, Abby of Flightline Interiors is making me a set of seats 2" lower then the standard seat (without the riser cushion). I am 6-3 and have to slouch to keep my head from hitting the canopy even without headphones on. I have headroom problems in a lot of aircraft, my height is in my back, not so much in my legs. My legroom in the 12 is fine with the seat in the rearward position.
Larry

Geico266 · #6 11-06-2009, 12:27 PM

Wow! The light package Van's is working on looks fantastic! Look at the nice little transition faring they have built! Landing lights too!

http://picasaweb.google.com/vansphotos1/RV12Lighting#

thomasyost · #7 11-06-2009, 01:25 PM

I wish a pic of the vert stab was included, assuming there will be a light there as well.

Mel · #8 11-06-2009, 02:08 PM

I wouldn't expect a light on the tail. It isn't required if there are white lights at the rear of the wingtip lights.

Also remember that a "sport-pilot" is limited to daytime VFR.

lawspud · #9 11-06-2009, 04:24 PM

Good point, Mel. Of course, it's not against the rules for a PPL (or greater) holder to fly an LSA at night, if its properly equipped, right? Neither the night flight nor the lighting equipment would invalidate the LSA or E-LSA certification of the aircraft.

Mel · #10 11-06-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawspud

Good point, Mel. Of course, it's not against the rules for a PPL (or greater) holder to fly an LSA at night, if its properly equipped, right? Neither the night flight nor the lighting equipment would invalidate the LSA or E-LSA certification of the aircraft.

The daytime VFR rule is for the sport pilot, not the airplane.
An ELSA may be flown at night by a qualified recreational pilot or above as long as the aircraft meets 91.205.