MOD Taxi light for Carbon Cub

[Neal]

I have a taxi light on/off switch on my panel on the lower left of the G3X area with a 5A fuse. As the wing leading edge lights point up while taxiing the light for taxiing at night will be minimal. I've done it, it's doable but I wanted better so I installed a taxi light. On my prior FX-3 I used a 10 inch RIGID light which worked fine but when at EAA AirVenture 2023 I looked at the Whelen lights and noticed the dedicated taxi light as used in many nosewheel aircraft. The specs looked good and the gears starting turning in what I wanted to use in my new FX-3.

Not a cheap setup but I decided to pursue the Whelen option over the RIGID light bar.

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Whelen Parmetheus™ G3 PAR 36 Landing & Taxi Light FAA-PMA | Aircraft Spruce (be sure to choose the taxi light option, not landing light)

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only | Aircraft Spruce

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only The Model A715-1 landing light is standard equipment on new Beechcraft, and will retrofit into older aircraft, as well.

www.aircraftspruce.com

Now the question is, as always, how to mount it. As I enjoy CAD design and 3D printing I designed a mount that attaches to my cabane vee. Works outstanding and the light can be retracted when not needed (manually! I'm not Patey!). I probably won't retract it, I don't think the drag is a big deal or a concern to me, if much at all.

After deciding on my design and several 3D print tests I used a CNC service (Xometry) to send my design off to be CNC'd out of aluminum and double black anodized. As it didn't cost much more to get 10 vs. 1 made I got 10 made which cost about $1k. So I have 9 extras if anyone wants one.

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The end result came out amazing, the light works amazing and I love the setup. Initially I didn't paint it black and left it white but after the bullying by several friends I caved and painted it black I have to say they were right, but don't tell them!

 

[Neal]

What I considered doing and what I believe CubCrafters should do is put a taxi light in one side of the wing aimed down and the other for landing. And of course choose the best and brightest lights. I think WAT is now a supplier and of course you can enjoy an upcharge for "better" lights. Probably not hard to change yourself but angling one down may need a 3D printed wedge or something.

 

[Kyflyer]

What I considered doing and what I believe CubCrafters should do is put a taxi light in one side of the wing aimed down and the other for landing. And of course choose the best and brightest lights. I think WAT is now a supplier and of course you can enjoy an upcharge for "better" lights. Probably not hard to change yourself but angling one down may need a 3D printed wedge or something.

 

[Kyflyer]

Great suggestion. I am reaching out to CC to see what they are willing to help with for my FX3 completion.

 

[Kyflyer]

I have a taxi light on/off switch on my panel on the lower left of the G3X area with a 5A fuse. As the wing leading edge lights point up while taxiing the light for taxiing at night will be minimal. I've done it, it's doable but I wanted better so I installed a taxi light. On my prior FX-3 I used a 10 inch RIGID light which worked fine but when at EAA AirVenture 2023 I looked at the Whelen lights and noticed the dedicated taxi light as used in many nosewheel aircraft. The specs looked good and the gears starting turning in what I wanted to use in my new FX-3.

Not a cheap setup but I decided to pursue the Whelen option over the RIGID light bar.

View attachment 275View attachment 276​

Whelen Parmetheus™ G3 PAR 36 Landing & Taxi Light FAA-PMA | Aircraft Spruce (be sure to choose the taxi light option, not landing light)

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only | Aircraft Spruce

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only The Model A715-1 landing light is standard equipment on new Beechcraft, and will retrofit into older aircraft, as well.

www.aircraftspruce.com

Now the question is, as always, how to mount it. As I enjoy CAD design and 3D printing I designed a mount that attaches to my cabane vee. Works outstanding and the light can be retracted when not needed (manually! I'm not Patey!). I probably won't retract it, I don't think the drag is a big deal or a concern to me, if much at all.

After deciding on my design and several 3D print tests I used a CNC service (Xometry) to send my design off to be CNC'd out of aluminum and double black anodized. As it didn't cost much more to get 10 vs. 1 made I got 10 made which cost about $1k. So I have 9 extras if anyone wants one.

View attachment 281​

The end result came out amazing, the light works amazing and I love the setup. Initially I didn't paint it black and left it white but after the bullying by several friends I caved and painted it black I have to say they were right, but don't tell them!

​

Neal, I talked to CC and will have the same light installed on my FX3. I'd like to purchase one of the mounts you have. Please let me know how much, the best way to pay(venmo?). If possible, I'd like to have it shipped to CC.

 

[Neal]

Neal, I talked to CC and will have the same light installed on my FX3. I'd like to purchase one of the mounts you have. Please let me know how much, the best way to pay(venmo?). If possible, I'd like to have it shipped to CC.

I'm selling them $200ea, I can send you a PayPal link. I'll private message you now my email address and we can go from there.

 

[Neal]

Here is a picture of my panel that shows the TAXI LTS switch near lower left of the G3X.

 

[Cubonaut875]

Hey Neil, I'll take one of those off your hands too, send me a link. I probably will have it installed at condition inspection. I have just the place for it!

 

[Neal]

I'll email you shortly.

 

[Neal]

Absolutely love this taxi light. Used it tonight. Wide beam and bright. I tried several options and this one is a winner

Where to aim it? Using the hangar door as a reference with the light on I put a small gap at the bottom of the rectangular beam pattern so it’s slightly above the floor per se.

 

[Kyflyer]

I am heading to Yakima for my final build Thursday. I don’t think they will have my taxi light installed but looking forward to seeing it 90% complete.

 

[Neal]

No, nothing custom is done until after AW cert. Have fun. Let me know how it goes. Share some pics

 

[Spider]

Look at what legend did

 

[Neal]

Look at what legend did

Pictures?

 

[Cubonaut875]

Here is a picture of my panel that shows the TAXI LTS switch near lower left of the G3X.

View attachment 292

Neal, where did you get your switch and breaker from? Cubcrafters? Can the light be made to flash?

 

[Neal]

Neal, where did you get your switch and breaker from? Cubcrafters? Can the light be made to flash?

CubCrafters installed it. Pete and/or Parts can probably help you source what you need. 5A push/pull breaker, off/on switch with the rubber boot, engraved labeled plate.

I'm sure you could add a flasher but I suggest not doing so based on what I went through with landings lights and am still finalizing with one remaining issue.

 

[Lucy Bernard]

Oh my god, I am a novice, I don't know anything, and I am still exploring everything. Although there are many things to learn, I am willing to start from scratch and slowly accumulate experience. Everyone has been a novice, and I believe that as long as I keep learning and practicing, I will become more skilled and confident one day!

 

[fastglasair1]

I have a taxi light on/off switch on my panel on the lower left of the G3X area with a 5A fuse. As the wing leading edge lights point up while taxiing the light for taxiing at night will be minimal. I've done it, it's doable but I wanted better so I installed a taxi light. On my prior FX-3 I used a 10 inch RIGID light which worked fine but when at EAA AirVenture 2023 I looked at the Whelen lights and noticed the dedicated taxi light as used in many nosewheel aircraft. The specs looked good and the gears starting turning in what I wanted to use in my new FX-3.

Not a cheap setup but I decided to pursue the Whelen option over the RIGID light bar.

View attachment 275View attachment 276​

Whelen Parmetheus™ G3 PAR 36 Landing & Taxi Light FAA-PMA | Aircraft Spruce (be sure to choose the taxi light option, not landing light)

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only | Aircraft Spruce

Whelen A715-1 Landing Light Housing Only The Model A715-1 landing light is standard equipment on new Beechcraft, and will retrofit into older aircraft, as well.

www.aircraftspruce.com

Now the question is, as always, how to mount it. As I enjoy CAD design and 3D printing I designed a mount that attaches to my cabane vee. Works outstanding and the light can be retracted when not needed (manually! I'm not Patey!). I probably won't retract it, I don't think the drag is a big deal or a concern to me, if much at all.

After deciding on my design and several 3D print tests I used a CNC service (Xometry) to send my design off to be CNC'd out of aluminum and double black anodized. As it didn't cost much more to get 10 vs. 1 made I got 10 made which cost about $1k. So I have 9 extras if anyone wants one.

View attachment 281​

The end result came out amazing, the light works amazing and I love the setup. Initially I didn't paint it black and left it white but after the bullying by several friends I caved and painted it black I have to say they were right, but don't tell them!

View attachment 280
View attachment 279​

Actually, The best location for any taxi lighting is DOWN LOW, this gives the best Beam useful performance, similar to fog lights on a car. In or on a wing works but is far from optimal for the best on the ground illumination.
BTW if looking for the brightest BY FAR LED landing and taxi lights on the market, take a look at XeVision. 2-3X brighter than anything on the market world wide.

 

[fastglasair1]

Also, the cup shaped unit is a legacy unit designed when only incandescent lights existed (incandescents don't "care" about heat) using it to mount the LED light unmodified will trap the heat from the heatsink fins on the back of the unit, they get up around 200 degrees F when not "trapped" from air flow. Being smart, you will remove most of the rear of the "cup" metal to expose all the fins to the turbulent air around it.
Otherwise in 5-10 minutes you'll loose ~50% of the light output as it throttles back to protect itself from thermal runaway and self destruction. Please trust me on this.
That unit was "standard on new Beechcraft aircraft, "many moons ago" !