First, it is very refreshing to see the comments here regarding the awareness of having approved/compliant anti-collision and position lights.
The new microburst lights;
Do they meet the TSO/FAR?s for light output?..no, they were not designed to, or advertised as such. Do they comply with the chromaticity and environmental test conditions for TSO, yes. As noted, the lens has no optics so the anti-collision portion suffers in intensity on the horizontal plane, however the lack of optics allows for more global light distribution above and below the horizontal plane. The forward and aft navigation lights fall within range of the FAR?s with exception to the cutoff areas. When the chamber frees up, we will plot the distribution patterns.
As stated earlier, there are many pilots that simply want lighting on their aircraft to provide an added level of safety while flying, and are not concerned with approved or compliant products. I have seen this first hand by walking the flight line at Oshkosh and Sun-N-Fun for the past 20+ years, and viewing the many different lighting configurations (home built and purchased).
In response to Bob Leffler?s excellent statement ?
?I think the expectation of most folks on VAF is that they want to install products that meet the TSO, but are perfectly comfortable implementing products that haven't formally gone through the TSO process?.
I think I answered above with regards to the Microburst? lights. I am curious though how the VAF community knows that other lighting product offerings meet TSO performance levels? The only real data I have seen is Dan Langhout taking his time and effort to test and provide light output comparisons. Is there any hard data?
Based on my experience, the major costs incurred for TSO approval is in the testing to show compliance to all of the necessary light output, and environmental testing requirements. If that has been done, then a data package is compiled (usually reviewed/approved by a DER) and then sent to the FAA. The FAA does not charge for giving TSO approval. If all is in order, the approval letter can be back within 30 days.
I will gladly provide Dan a set of Microburst lights so he can perform his test, as he is a respected member of the VAF forums, and will provide an un biased opinion. Dan just drop me an e-mail with the address you would like the lights shipped to. Lights should be available in Feb.
For Steve I. ? appreciate your comments. I would like to ship you a set free of charge for your evaluation. You can send me an e-mail with your mailing address.
[email protected]
You mention safety as being a concern. I agree. That is why Whelen has a full line of TSO ?approved? products that will provide optimum visibility. If you look through our catalog, you will see that most all of our anti-collision lights have been granted TSO approval.
There will be a video clip of the Microburst in operation posted on our web site early next week.
Thank you
Jeff Argersinger