Personal Equipment - Torch

[gadgetguru]

Anyone have any recommendations / preferences on small torches for dailies & cockpit.

I've had too many miserable experiences with maglights

had a look at the Surefire Aviator A2 (http://torchreviews.net/sfa2.htm)
xenon white bulb with 3 x colour LED for cockpit emergency low-level illumination, but it is a pretty pricy bit of kit.

for those who use mic lights & have a torch purley for Daily Inspections, what is your light source of choice

what have you found better for brightness & clarity of beam, battery longevity etc., ruggedness

thanks in advance

[BigMike]

Funny that you mention Maglights as I use a little AA Maglight and have never had a problem other than the occasional bulb replacement. Have heard that the Surefire is good. You can never have too many toys, gadgets, bits of kit!!

BM

[18greens]

I'd love to know the answer to this one.

I need a bright white light for pre flight, a dim red light for the cockpit and a clip to keep it on your jacket . No torch I've seen combines all of these. The search continues.

[gadgetguru]

18g
the surefire mentioned above does what you want - but at a hell of a price
http://www.surefire.com/surefire/content/a2ha_full01.jpg

curious are there any arguments for red vs. green low-light illumination in the cockpit

most NVG compatible mike lights (http://www.seitzinc.com/shop/page1.html) are green or infrared LEDs

is red optimum, or is green also adequate
in regards to adequate illumination whilst low enough not to detriment night vision capabilities of the Mk1 eyeball, nvfr manual mentioned red only, but no other colour.
(you can't read contour lines on a map with red, but granted that might be a stretch between requirements to look at contours)
but red or green the T's & P's are just as difficult to interpret without some white light (white finger light or white led in mike lights.

for the price difference I am considering a Pelican M6 LED (http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pelican_m6led.htm) for external
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/images/pelican_m6led/pelican_m6led_size.jpg
& compliment that with a seitzinc Mike Lite (ML-22) (2x standard green & 1x white LED)
http://www.seitzinc.com/shop/media/Ml-8m162s.jpg
this brings me well under the aviator A2 with arguably better application

[verticalhold]

I use a maglight for walk rounds, but use an old fashioned bycicle front lamp in flight. My instructor had one and bought me one. The old style have a clip on the back to mount to the bike. put a piece of string through the clip, hang it round your neck and it will sit flat against your chest shining in the right direction. He also got me to paint the lense with red nail polish wish gives a perfect level of light at night. I have kept this light since it was given to me and it now has around 9000 hours as well as an important place in my bag.:ok:

[B Sousa]

I like the surefire but for inspections and it is a bit pricey. None the less I own one. Got it on www.ebay.com and saved a few dollars.
In the cockpit(sic) I prefer using something already attached. I use the Seitz Lip lights and if really necessary a Finger light, they sell all kinds of things and the company was formed by a former Army Pilot. www.seitzinc.com
Their prices are good and I have been using their product for at least 15 years. It attaches easy to my Gentex skidlid and on my David Clarks. The liplight is somehwat hard to turn on and off with the DC flexible Mike Boom, but a minor inconvenience considering how useful it is. I also agree on one white Xenon and two Green LEDs.
GadgetGuru above mentioned Pelican www.pelican.com I also fly over water a lot and use a couple of their small locator lights attached to my vest. Cheap and hopefully never used, but if used worth every Penny.
Pilots never can have enough toys... I also love my Colt CAR-15 but thats another story on toys.

[BigMike]

CAR-15?! Do passengers in Las Vegas get a bit out of hand?

[800]

For daily's I use a white LED torch (although it has a bit of a problem sometimes illuminating the gearbox oil).

For night flight I have a Mike Lite (green) and a maglight with orange lense. To me this is not as harsh on the eyes and allows for map reading.

Hope this helps.

[NickLappos]

Like watches and PDA's, the torch sets the pilot apart from the ground-hugging mortals, at least according to the adverts.

Actually, in 7500 hours of flight, I have never felt the need to buy other than a nice mortal wrist watch (with push buttons), a normal small pocket torch goosenecked, and a normal calculator.

Those who fly NVG's need specialized kit, of course, but the rest of us buy the fancy stuff to set us apart, I think. Am I guilty of this in some ways? Of course, I wear my flight jacket, with patches, to every inappropriate occasion!
Here is a $4 one that fits the bill:
http://www.airsoftarms.com/viewproductdetail.php?ProdID=6030

Every imaginable type is here (vive free enterprise!):
http://www.myles-rec.com/12%20Volt%20City/lights/page12/lights.html

[BlenderPilot]

For preflights there is no better than a German Made LedLenser V2 (http://www.zweibrueder.com/english/products/torchesandflashlights/ledlenservseries/ledlenserv.html) is the best I've had, and I have had many since its kind a sick obsession I have with flashlights. These flashlights use common AAA batteries that last a LONG time, single very powerfull led, brighter than a Surefire A2 that costs almost 4 times as much, smaller too. You won't regret having one of these. Just make sure you buy the AAA battery single led model not the AAAA single led model, since AAAA are more difficult to find.

[Devil 49]

I carry a number of different "torches" or whatever you call'em. You guys in the old country still using burning sticks?
For preflight, a headlight is the way to go. I have both hands available for tasks, it points where I'm looking, and I don't drop it. I'me using a "Streamlight Clipmate"- just clip it to my cap- and monkey all over the helo.
Lip light in the cockpit, helmet and headset. Put an inline switch on it after they turned on in the bag, the cell's ruptured, and split the battery clip.
I use a Streamlight Twintask for general stuff.
Employer equips aircraft with a D-cell Maglight.
And, I keep a PALight with a clip in my pocket. The rubberized rectangular case means it doesn't roll around and I'm not biting down on metal when I need both hands, selectable light levels for whatever- it does everything pretty well, except bludgeon- which, I guess, is why I have the Maglight.

[paddyboy]

LED all the way!

Cheap, cheerful and plenty on ebay.;)

[gadgetguru]

feedback much appreciated

cheers

[GLSNightPilot]

I use a heavily-modified mini-maglite. I have a 2-watt LED bulb and a diffusion lens installed, and it puts out more light than a 4-D cell maglite. I also have an Inova w/ 5 LEDs, which puts out about the same amount of light, but it takes Lithium 123 batteries, which are expensive. The Maglite uses standard AA batteries. I also use an LED headlamp, with white LEDs for preflights, starting, etc, and a green LED (it came with red, and I replaced it) for use when flying, when the white lights are too bright. It comes in handy for doing paperwork, reading approach plates, etc without blinding my copilot. It puts the light wherever I look. I had an LED liplight mounted on my mike, but the headlight is cheaper and more useful.

Like Nick, I use a standard watch, no buttons, though. I do like a watch with dual display, both analog and digital. Timex et al sell these cheaply, and they are as accurate as a Rolex, if not more.

[heliduck]

The "streamlight " from Stylus with LED bulb is definately a good product. They are the size & shape of a pen & are available in red,green & white for around USD20. You can clip all three in your pocket if you want to without the weight tearing your shirt off & the 3 x AAAA batteries last a long time.

[Lowlevldevl]

I use a single red LED key ring light attached to the back of my sunglasses strap with a tiny s.s d-shackle. During the day I have my sunnies to the front( which is only right).
Come night time I spin them to the back of my neck which puts my small LED light on the strap to the front. Its powerful enough to illuminate the cockpit and read/ write by without affecting my night vision. And, I've always got a light as long as I'm wearing my Sunnies.For pre-flights I have a Pelican clip light with a swivelling neck which clips to either cap or pocket and is small enough to hold between my teeth if necessary.

[HELOFAN]

Yup still using the stick, tightly wrapped straw & burning oil trick.

Its a bitch on fuel dips but great on cold nights.

[sneetch]

Coast TAC Torch 4 Color LED Recon Light

If you're a torch/flashlight geek then this one is for you!
It has 4 LED colours - red,green, blue and regular white, so it's good for preflight and cockpit.
It has buttons for on/off, so you're not fumbling around trying to twist/turn the thing on with one hand, like a Maglite.
It takes 3 AAA batteries and they last for ages.
It's plenty bright.
You can hang it around your neck and best of all ....... If you feel the need, you can turn all four colours on at once! ....... DISCO!

Coast TAC Torch 4 Color LED Recon Light (http://www.pumaknives.com/?n=store&b=43&pl=221&p=622&PHPSESSID=5a6225cac39b16e2b65d974176815a13)

[aeromys]

Heliduck
The "streamlight " from Stylus with LED bulb is definately a good product. They are the size & shape of a pen & are available in red,green & white for around USD20. You can clip all three in your pocket if you want to without the weight tearing your shirt off & the 3 x AAAA batteries last a long time.


I have one of the LED Streamlights, nice and slim and sits nicely in my pen pocket or in the spring on a clipboard. And if ever you need new AAAA batteries, rip open a square 9v battery and there are 6 of them inside :ok:

[rotorrookie]

Wonder how it would be to fly with these.. light gloves (http://www.tasco-safety.com/workgloves/mechanix-light-glove.html) has anyone tried them??

[B Sousa]

Interesting on the light gloves but as I mentioned www.seitzinc.com has a finger light. Take a look, you can get it in White or Green LED. Very lightweight and velcros on whatever finger necessary. Works for me.

[gadgetguru]

I was hunting for info on red vs. green & came across this article (http://www.aoa.org/x1862.xml).

points of interest for those who want the abreviated version

COCKPIT ILLUMINATION

Red light was used for illumination of the cockpit in post-World War II aircraft because it, like red goggles, did not degrade dark adaptation. The intent was to maintain the greatest rod sensitivity possible, while still providing some illumination for central foveal vision. However, red cockpit lights interfered with reading maps and log books, especially for pre-presbyopic and presbyopic aviators. With the increased use of electronic and electro-optical devices for navigation the importance of the pilot's visual efficiency in the cockpit has increased and new concerns have arisen.

Low intensity, white cockpit lights are often used now because they afford a more natural visual environment within the aircraft, without degrading the color of objects.

....

ENHANCING AND MAINTAINING DARK ADAPTATION

Red Goggles or Spectacles

For maximum utilization of scotopic vision, 20 to 30 minutes in total darkness are required to attain satisfactory retinal dark adaptation. An alternative is to have the aircrew member wear red goggles for 20 to 30 minutes before flying. When worn in normal illumination, red goggles will not interfere significantly with the ability to read most maps, charts, manuals, etc., as long as the printing is not in red ink. Red goggles block all light except red, which enhances rod dark adaptation because red light does not stimulate the scotopic system.

There are some drawbacks to wearing red goggles or using red cockpit lighting. When reading maps, markings in red on a white background may be invisible. Red light also creates or worsens near-point blur in older far-sighted, presbyopic (decreased near focusing ability due to age), and pre-presbyopic aircrew. Under red light or using red goggles in normal light, red light is focused behind the retina due to the optics of the eye and more "near focusing" than average must be used to provide a clear image when reading at near.

.....

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following are some ways for aviators to protect, improve, or maintain their operational night vision.

1. Complete a training course that emphasizes the inherent limitations of night vision
2. Keep spectacles, visors, and windscreens clean
3. Wear proper spectacle correction.
4. When practical, dark-adapt or use red goggles before night flying
5. Avoid bright lights, or at least protect one eye.
6. Do not fixate centrally, but scan and look 15-20 degrees to the side of the visual target.
7. Regularly wear sunglasses on sunny days, especially on days of night missions.
8. Eat an adequate diet that includes vitamin A.
9. Do not smoke.
10. Consider use of 100% oxygen at night, even at low altitudes.




and another titled the red myth
(http://stlplaces.com/night_vision.html)

cheers

[ExGrunt]

Could I suggest the Inova 24/7 which I have found very useful. It has white, red and flashing lights together with a number of clip/head options. (Not cheap though)

http://www.inovalight.com/images/247-hand.jpg

See:

http://www.inovalight.com/site.html?XO-ov

EG

[moosp]

Ref the article on red light in the cockpit. Some years ago in a simulator of an aircraft that had red lighting on the instruments, the captain complained of feeling dizzy and could not focus. We stopped the session and the next day he went to the the eye specialists.

After about a week of tests they diagnosed "red light pre-focussing" where the brain does not know whether to focus at the red end or the white end of the spectrum, and does neither. We were all told to restrict the use of red light at night, and these days it is rare to see a red light fitted in an airliner flightdeck for this reason.

For some reason, after a flight, pilots are attracted to bars with red lights and further research is needed in this area.

FWIW

[B Sousa]

pilots are attracted to bars with red lights and further research is needed in this area.

I have done a life long study on this subject and was just getting ready to publish it for my PHD. Oh well, too little too late. This same phenomina is also responsible for many Pilots getting lost while visiting Amsterdam.

[HOGE]

The torch of choice for the serious professional

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=20001&langId=-1&catalogId=3951&productId=169589

[Fr8t M8te]

Anyone know of a UK dealer for Pelican torches?

[MightyGem]

Wallace & Gromit Carrot Torch
At least it will help you see in the dark.

[B Sousa]

Freight Mate
Ask them: http://www.pelican.com/

[SASless]

Watches with push buttons?

Rolex GMT Master II has no "push buttons" and is the mark of a real Aviator.

Nick....fighter pilots wear flashy jackets and big watches with push buttons!

REAL helicopter pilots would never be seen wearing a Flight Jacket with patches (beyond those found on the elbows).:E

[B Sousa]

Rolex GMT Master II has no "push buttons" and is the mark of a real Aviator.

Sasless
Since you brought that up. Mine is getting a few years on it. The price for these things has gone through the roof, not because they are worth anything, but because us morons will pay the price.
Service via Rolex, NY ONLY every few years is not cheap either.
I find the cheapest still seems to be the Virgin Islands. Anybody get one cheaper. Stainless and Gold at about $5800

Flight jackets from www.flightsuits.com , good prices and good quality
Push buttons and dials on watches were great, back when I could read them.........

[Hughes500]

The best thing I have used is a Petzel headtorch. Get the one that has 3 x led's in it. Powered by 2 AAA's lasts for about 120 hours plus. It gives enough light to check the outside. Inside it is great, all you have to do is slip it over your head and guess what you have both hands free. I always wear it ( switched off ) when night flying just in case. Incidentally it is that small that you can hold it in your fist.

It costs about £ 20 from mountainering shops

[NickLappos]

SASless,
You don't like push buttons because you cant fly and push the buttons at the same time. I understand your frustration.

[B Sousa]

ouch................

[SASless]

Well now Nick ol' buddy....for once you are entirely correct. The key is I know when to fly and when to push the buttons. There comes a time when one must revert to flying....and it helps if one can.

[B Sousa]

Thats an Ouch........Back

[CopterD]

Hi everyone,
the winter is coming and that means nightflying again. I broke my personal small maglite, so I'm looking for a new flashlight. Does anyone have some recommendations?

My old one had a reddish light, but I heard the new ones have green/yellowish light and that should be better. Any ideas?

Regards,
CopterD

[Devil 49]

All depends on what you use it for. All around versatility, the Minimag is hard to beat. I've got an LED conversion in, better battery and bulb life. Doesn't cast the long focused beam the quartz-halogen did.
I also carry a PALight in my flight suit pocket, (because too much light is an issue)-

http://www.palights.com/

And, a little Inova X1 on my belt- compact, bright, and projects a spot as well as the 2-D cell Maglite all our aircraft are equipped with. I bought mine at a Target store, but here's link-

http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=5318&sk=MC51419

Finally, headset and helmet both have Seitz mike lights, lightstick also in in a pocket- Kind of a lot?

[Hiro Protagonist]

For in-flight I find it hard to beat my lip light (http://www.s-lite.com/products.php?id=22), not too bright, hands free, and always shines where I look. For preflight, and general use I use a small flexible LED light (http://streamlight-flashlights.com/led-stylus-reach.html) from streamlight. Great for hard to see spots, and you can mount it on your kneeboard for in-flight use, though it's really too bright for dark night flying.

Plus there's always my mandated crappy pt. 135 flashlight.

[Gordy]

Here:
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/900/sesent/00

[Gomer Pylot]

I also like the Inova. The lithium batteries last a long time, and don't discharge when not being used. You can get them in bulk, by the dozen or so, from several places online, at a very reasonable price. They last for 6 months or more for me, though. I would recommend an LED light no matter the brand, though. They use less power, and produce a lot of light. You can get bulbs up to 5 watts if you want, and there are drop-in models available for most popular flashlights, including all the MagLite models, even the big multi-D cell models. The white LED light is great for preflighting, and I can see oil levels much easier in it than in the yellow incandescent light from regular bulbs. I don't much like focused beams like MagLites, though, preferring a more diffused, unfocused light from the Inova. The more spread-out light lets me see more than a tightly focused beam which only lights a small area.

[blave]

Here in the States, the Energizer brand makes at least two inexpensive head-mounted LED flashlights. They have adjustable headbands and adjustable hinges so you can set the light angle. Both have red and white light modes; the less-expensive one (about $15) has only one brightness setting for the white side while the more expensive ($20?) has three.

There are much more expensive alternatives - and I do like that mic-mounted one - but these get the job done for minimal $.

Dave Blevins

[Khaosai]

Hi,

I opted for the ORB RAW.

It is very bright, 3 watt LED, 47mm long, 20mm wide and weighs in at 3grams.

It also has an option to go for rechargeable batteries, which i would recommend.

My only complaint is that on the high power setting, battery life is limited.

Rgds.

[2FLY]

recently received a new head torch (Petzl tactikka plus) that seems as ideal as it gets for flying, lightweight, comfortable, handsfree operation and the light goes where look, 4 LED's with 3 brightness settings and a flip up/down red lense cover for use in the cockpit.:ok:

[CopterD]

Hi everyone,

Looking for a new torch. Found one that has a bright white light and 3 LEDS in the colours red or green/yellow for reading @ night. Which one would you recommend in favour of night vision?

Its the Surefire Aviator btw

Thanks,
CopterD

[the beater]

Good grief!
You broke your Maglite sometime preceding 24 October 2006! That was when you first reported that you needed a new torch (flashlight (or should that be flashlite) for our American friends). How on earth do you break a Maglite?
Never mind - just buy another. Forget about LEDs. You can't get the focus that you need to complete a night inspection. Forget about trying to read maps at night. If you don't have the means to navigate without recourse to map reading (except in extremis) you will struggle, whatever light you have.
I find that the storm light is invaluable when struggling with the Sudoku.;)

[HELOFAN]

Search for lip light on the forums, I just went through something similar & there are more links in that.

I just bought a lip light that uses a white only light.

Fantastic & no night vision loss.

HF

[serf]

Using red means you cant see red stuff, using green means you cant see green stuff - so white it is.

[AB139engineer]

Hey guys try the pelican 2 x D cell divers light, The warranty specificaly says garranteed for everything except bear attack, shark attack and children under 5. I have had 2 of them for over 20 years and they are both working great.

[STL206]

I got a Streamlight Night Com. It has the same features as the Surefire Aviator but is not nearly as expensive. I have been happy with it so far.

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=90

[bugalugs123]

Hi All,

For all that have the surefire...I have been looking on their website and you can select the LED colour.(red, green, white, yellow and blue) Is this the colour of the actual torch light or does it have the white light as well? Sorry to be confused but their website is not very clear!
Thanks guys

[ShyTorque]

The warranty specificaly says garranteed for everything except bear attack, shark attack and children under 5. I have had 2 of them for over 20 years and they are both working great.

Had which - bears, sharks, or children under 5? :E

I'm "all LEDs" these days. I use a mini Maglite with an LED conversion for pre-flighting. I also have an Osram "Dot-it" 3 LED surface light fixed on velcro on the cockpit overhead panel (great for sitting in my seat doing pre, or after-flight paperwork etc without wasting the aircraft battery). I also use a little single LED clip-on light which goes on my shoulder harness.

Just noticed today that Dremel (mini-drill people) do a nice little miniature clip-on adjustable flexy stem light, (£13.95 from B &Q) which might be of use to some pilots whilst reading under the sheets :p .

[SASless]

Knowing my penchant for storing dead (flat) batteries in my flashlight (torch)....I reckon the cure is one of those new fangled "Shaka-lights". The way a 212 bounces around it would be fully charged without a lot of human interface being required.:{

I would think if your electrical systems died one night while flogging about the Bounding Blue, one's hands would be shaking so bad you would not have to devote any mental capacity to keep the thing lit.:uhoh:

[Backward Blade]

I personally love LED's for leak checking when required, but since I live in the bush and have to pack everything willy nilly hither and yon on a moments notice I tend to stick with ye ole Maglite. Reason being since I fill out of barrels for the most part it is far more accurate in determining proper color of the fuel and the focus of the beam is very handy in determining the quality of the barrel lining...very important issues w/ barrels especially in the cold.

At 15$ a piece it doesn't hurt so much when you lose one, and trust me, if you live in a tent on occasion...you will.

As for the Color thing I wouldn't have a clue. I fly Day VFR in Northern Canada....Why the HELL would I want to do it at night? LOL

BWB

[Ioan]

Petzl tactikka plus. Three lighting levels (plus strobe - lowest setting ideal for cockpit use - 150 hours on a set of batteries), flip up / down red filter, handsfree, light-where-you-look, small, light weight, reliable and the light frequency doesn't affect NVGs.
Downside: they cost a bit

[EN48]

Best overall (price no object): Surefire "Kroma." three color LED's (white, red, blue), mil spec construction, lithium batteries with 10 year shelf life. Beautifully made - a serious "instrument." About $300 U.S.

Best value (price considered): Streamlight Twin Task combination LED & Krypton incandescent. About $35 U.S. via discount Web dealers. There are a number of other Streamlight models well suited for aviation use, and all well priced.

[helicfii]

I use an NVG compatible mike lite (white). I have found that the NVG green LED lights are just to dim.

When I flew 2 pilot IFR, we wore the white/red lights that tilt down that are mounted to an elastic headband- by far the best thing I ever used when I was the PNF. I got it at Walmart for about $5 US. When I switched to flying with a helmet, I tossed the elastic headband and put some velcro on the back of the light, then stuck it to the side of my helmet- if I need it I just fold it down.

For walk around, I use a generic version of the surefire.

[g-mady]

Anyone use the "LED Lenser V² Squared Aviator"

http://www.shop4torches.co.uk/acatalog/LED_Lenser_Zweibrueder_V2_Squared_Aviator_LED_Torch.php

Especially as its designed for this sort of use???

Any good?

MADY

[Helikopter]

Used couple of them, the best light so far: Fenix P1D Q5.

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=35

[bugalugs123]

Hi CopterD...
Which surefire have you found that has white AND green light?...Is it this one....
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/900/sesent/00

The reason I ask is that I emailed surefire about this and they said that when you select 'green LED' as an option then it is only a green light and not white as well...

So basically, I need to know whether I can get a white light AND green (for night) in the same torch? Does such a product exist?
Thanks!:rolleyes:

[Flying Bull]

Hi bugalugs123,

yes, it does, actually 4 different colours in one torch.
It's from http://www.zweibrüder.de/ (http://www.zweibr%C3%BCder.de/) and has three white LEDs, one green, one blue, which you can also use with NVG and one red LED.
Have it in my flightgear and can post a picture on Wednesday - not quite sure, whether it's still build, but zweibrüder is open to innovation - so you might send them an email - and ask for a two colour torch for all the NVG-pilots worldwide ;-)

Greetings Flying Bull

[CopterD]

Bugalugs,

From their site:
two types of light sources: three long-runtime light emitting diodes (LEDs) provide low beam for close-up work; pre-focused high-intensity incandescent lamp provides smooth, brilliant, tactical-level beam with nearly three times the light.

So it says there is one bright (white) light and LEDS (green) in one torch.

I haven't bought one yet, I am still busy trying different sorts of lights in the dark EC155 cockpit :)

Copter D

[Flying Bull]

Hi all, this thread made me write some emails and calling Zweibrüder. In a few days time I´ll get a torch for testing with green an white LEDs. I´ll let you know, wether this torch is suitable for NVG (ANVIS). (Make you a smal video on youtube and some pictures and let you know here, when it is online) The torch can´t be found on the Zweibrüderhomepage, there is only some stock left. Pricing has to be checked and depends on number bought. Around 30€ or below is my guess - and I´ll check on pricing for postage to GB and overseas. Any one is fit in customs in case the torch is suitable? Greetings Flying Bull

[Flying Bull]

Hi all,

I´ve received my little new torch, checked it during night shift - and love it
:ok:

I made a short video, so that you can have a look as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIkAlZ08_Wk

The switch for the white light is black and is furrowed, while the switch for the green light is green ;-) and smooth.
Without gloves easy to feel - but I think, even with gloves you find the right light.

The white light is more than sufficent for preflight and refueling - but not for long long distance illumination.
I personaly like it, to have white light until starting the engines, having a chance to see wether the a/c is just wet from rain - or may be leaking hydraulic fluid.....
Now I only need to take one torch with me.

Shorter than the MiniMag, supplied by the boss, it fits easy in a pocket - but is to thick to be placed into a pencilpocket.
Nevertheless, normaly for night operations, I have a keyband attached to my lights and have that around my neck anyway, so pulling the torch out of the pocket is no problem at all...

Greetings Flying Bull

[PPRuNeUser0211]

Hey all,

I'm after a torch (preferably LED based) that has an NVG compatible lens option and will fit in a "standard" flying suit pen pocket. Main purpose of the torch is walkarounds etc so needs to be decent, but will also serve as backup map-reading light etc for the cockpit, so NVG compatibility is a must.

Any suggestions?

[Pittsextra]

quick question i'm after a small torch for night flying as my regular white light one is too bright! Any experience, views or suggestions?

[handysnaks]

Well if you want a really expensive one that is sparkproof and explosive proof, then you can't get much better than the one currently fitted to the EC135. The revolutonary method used to ensure that it is spark and explosion proof is to ensure tha there is nothing inside it that can be construed as an electrical circuit! It's **** all use as a torch but it fits in the torch holder......

[Devil 49]

simple, solid, reliable and almost too small- barely larger than the AA cell inside. Illumination intensity ramps from just enough for the cockpit tasks up to handheld spotlight to sweep the trees around a smallish field.
I don't think mine is currently in production, but the "NITECORE EZ AA LED" appears similar.

[Clavileño]

I´ve been six years using this lip mike light...

Seitz ML15 Lip Mike Lite (http://www.helicoptersonly.com/contents/en-us/p260.html)

The xenon bulb is valid for an exterior inspection but consumes much battery life... better use the h/c torch.
The red bulb is durable and ideal for night flying...easy to find and activate.

In general is a great gadget if you use a helmet. It includes a holder for the batts and wiring. There are several options combining NVG green along with red and white bulbs.

cheers