Flashlight

[topdawg]

I had a captain tell me I have to have a flashlight that requires 2 D- cell batteries. Where in the regs does it say this? 121.549 states that all you have to have is a flashlight in good working order. Can somebody please let me know. Thanks

 

[dondk]

all the reg's say.. it has to be 2 D cell or it's equivalent... (3 volts)...
Some read into the 2 D cell a bit too much.. Bottom line, as long as the flashlight has similar or greater power than 2 D cell's your good.. So, 2 C, 2 AA type mag's will not work, but 1- 3 volt zeon lamp flashlight using one of the lith-ion camera battery's works... A surefire or similar does the trick.

 

[Rick1128]

flash light

Be careful about that. The regs say that you have to have a flashlie that uses two D cells or equivilent. But they do not say you have to use it. Other flashlites are acceptable as long as you have a D cell with you. Further more when dealing with the Feds, they take it as face value. Since there are no lighting value standards, plan on having a flashlite with at least 2 D cells.

 

[TonyC]

all the reg's say.. it has to be 2 D cell or it's equivalent... (3 volts)...
Some read into the 2 D cell a bit too much.. Bottom line, as long as the flashlight has similar or greater power than 2 D cell's your good.. So, 2 C, 2 AA type mag's will not work, but 1- 3 volt zeon lamp flashlight using one of the lith-ion camera battery's works... A surefire or similar does the trick.

You seem to be pretty confident in your answer, knowing exactly what "equivalent" means - - 3 volts.


How many volts in a 2 C-cell flashlight? 3 volts

How many volts in a 2 AA-cell flashlight? 3 volts

How many volts in a 2 AAA-cell flashlight? 3 volts

If those don't serve as "equivalent", then "3 volts" must not be the definition of equivalent.

Perhaps it's candle power? If so, what's the basis for measurement? 2 fresh standard D-cells and a standard bulb? Same configuration after one hour of continuous use? Or is it fresh alkaline batteries and a Xeon bulb?

Is it voltage, or is it battery life? Is it lumens or candlepower? Maybe it's just size - - could a flashlight the size of a 2 D-cell batteries be adapted to use 6 AAA's and suffice?

Oh, the waters are not realy as clear as you might think. Every time you approach the bank, a little dirt falls off the side and muddies the issue.

 

[SkyWestCRJPilot]

Part 121.549 (b) says it only has to be in good working order.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1f5e7d4882bf46bf87d7992684c6e301&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.4.19&idno=14#14:2.0.1.4.19.20.11.14

Part 91.503 (a)(1) for Large and Turbine powered airplanes says it has to be 2 "D" cells or equivalent.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1f5e7d4882bf46bf87d7992684c6e301&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.3.10&idno=14#14:2.0.1.3.10.6.7.2

My understanding is that the reg under Part 121 used to say 2 "D" cells but was recently changed. I supposed if you are flying corporate though you still have to have a flashlight with 2 "D" cell batteries or equivalent.

 

[topdawg]

Skywestcrjpilot--Thanks for the references, after seeing those; as an SIC do I still have to have that equipment? Because 121.549 only states "flashlight in good working order" which I have (small AA but works good) and 91.503 says "The pilot in command of an airplane shall ensure that the following flying equipment and aeronautical charts and data, in current and appropriate form, are accessible for each flight at the pilot station of the airplane:

(1) A flashlight having at least two size “D” cells, or the equivalent, that is in good working order.

The way I understand it is technically I don't need 2 "D" cells... am i right?

 

[A Squared]

topdawg,

91.503 is in Subpart F, which is applicable to Large and turbojet multiengine aircraft. however, subpart 91 is not applicable if to these aircraft when they are required to be operated under Part 121, 125 129 135 or 137.

I assume, because you reference 121.549, that you are flying under Part 121. If that is the case than 91.503 is not applicable. So, you're only required to have "a flashlight"


If you were on a part 91 repostioning flight, 91.503 would apply, but in that case it, would be met by your captain having his flashlight. (he does have one, doesn't he?)

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

So what's the big deal. Why do some pilots not want to carry the required equipment? The regs say carry a 2d cell battery flashlight in working order, so why not do it? The regs say nothing about having to take the flashlight out and use it, so why not carry a small pen size light to use in the cockpit??

 

[TonyC]

So what's the big deal. Why do some pilots not want to carry the required equipment? The regs say carry a 2d cell battery flashlight in working order, so why not do it? The regs say nothing about having to take the flashlight out and use it, so why not carry a small pen size light to use in the cockpit??

It's not a matter of not wanting to carry the required equipment as much as it is a matter of not wanting to drag around extra weight. If a 2-AA flashlight can produce as effective a light source as a 2-D cell flashlight of the era when the reg was written, we'd prefer to carry the lighter weight version.

And, no, the regs don't say "carry a 2d cell battery flashlight in working order." The "or equivalent" is the subject of debate. Do you have an FAA-approved, legally tested, guaranteed to hold up in court definition of "equivalent" as it applies in this context?

Didn't think so. So, the only answer we can be ABSOLUTELY sure about is to carry a flashlight with 2 D cells. And, as you mentioned, why not carry a smaller light that is actually more useful - - your perogative, of course.


But, we're still pilots, and we'll put a great deal of thought and effort into making things easier. Yes, we work hard at being lazy. Oops, I think I've strayed into the "Pilot Stereotypes" thread.

 

[topdawg]

Geez this is getting confusing... So a simple answer to question would be that as an SIC flying under 121, I personally do not need a "D" cell flashlight. The PIC needs one only if the flight is flown under part 91. Is this correct?