which torch to buy.

[Pilot16]

Hi,
I am starting on a night qualification and need to buy a good torch. I would like one that would last through my professional career. There is a lot of torches to choose from. I would greatly appreciate any recommendation :)


P16

[Aussie Andy]

I saw an ad in a US magazine whilst over there last week for battery-less torches which charge by shaking (Faraday principle) - I wonder if anyone has tried these and if they are any good?

Andy

[squawking 7700]

I use a Petzl headtorch with a home made red filter (from a clear
35mm film canister coloured with felt tip) it works well and a friend adopted the idea after I suggested it. You don't need two
hands to operate it and you always know where it is (on your head).
I also carry a mini maglite (with red filter) on a lanyard around my neck.
For inspections, the bigger the torch the better.


Squawking 7700

[Tinstaafl]

I used to use a 2x'AA' maglite types after trying numerous others. Now I use a couple of those newer LED types. I have a blue/white LED torch to use for normal lighting & a red LED one for cockpit stuff.

Each has a momentary 'on' as well as a lockable 'on'. Brigtness levels are fine. I can - just - see the wing tips at night, including any ice.

There's quite a few designs being released now, including some with multiple LEDs & larger batteries for brightness. Mine are an appropriate size for a key ring & use 2 x watch batteries and a single LED for a bulb.. I find mine to be ideal.

[Circuit Basher]

I use the same scheme as Squawking 7700 - a head torch with home made red filter (has the added bonus that the instructor can see if you're scanning the panel properly!); leaves both hands free and is IMHO 'a major contribution to flight safety'.... ;)

A spare torch in the pocket (or around the neck!) and plenty of spare batteries in easy reach is also 'a good idea'!

[Pilot16]

thanks a lot guys (and girls).

It seems like there are torches out there that come supplied with different coloured filters. Is a filter really necessary in the cockpit?

P16

[Sensible]

A filter helps with vision outside the canopy at night. Also consider instrument ilumination failure, if that happens, you need something that won't make your jaws ache too much after a couple of hours night flight with it in your mouth. And buy two, it's sods law that the battereies run out at a crucial time and it's not funny trying to change batteries whilst trying to aviate in the dark!!

[BRL]

Tinny where did you get yours from? Any links????

Good luck with your night rating P16 :)

[Keef]

Two of the red-filter 2AA maglites, one on a headband, the other on a lanyard, for in the cockpit.

A bigger maglite for the outside checks before flight.

One of those little LED jobs to hold in the mouth when all else fails. Belt and braces and backup!

I usually spend about 15 minutes inside the cockpit setting things up before I start taxying at night. That gives my eyes time to adjust, and give me time to set up the nav and comms frequencies I'm expecting to need.

[Final 3 Greens]

Friend of mine had a 6 cell Maglite - had landing light failure at night at a big airport and used torch by wedging it down side of coaming when ATC asked him to switch landing light on ... sod all use as it pointed at the worng angle but at least it was one more light to alert.

ATC, apprised of the situ, said it was 'at least' as bright as a normal SEP landing light.

It's a good story anyway :D

An ex copper friend of mine also had a four cell - when I asked him why he needed so much power, he replied whimsically "do you know the difference between a magician's wand and a policeman's maglite?" - no said I - "well, the former is used for cunning stunts."

Sorry Pilot 16, this doesn't help you much, but some good advice seems to have been given earlier :)

[MLS-12D]

Pilot 16,

Assuming that you'll be renting the airplane, I would recommend a standard AA Maglite (w/o filter) for pre-flight inspections. If you own the airplane, then get a two cell D Maglite that you can leave in it. Try to get this in a silver colour rather than basic black, since the latter is easier to lose on a dark night.

In addition to your inspection light, you'll need a small, red or blue/green filtered light for cockpit use. Something that you can wear around your neck is best, so you'll always be able to find it.

A filtered AA maglite would work but would not be my choice: it's really too big and heavy for the purpose. A better choice is the #1930 L1 LED Light from Pelican [http://www.pelican.com/main.htm] that comes equipped with a lanyard and is small and light. You can grip it in your teeth if you have to. I've had one since I stareted night flying, and swear by it.

[Pilot16]

Thanks very much!

MLS-12D, The LED light you mentioned does not seem to be on any UK site.

I understand LED lights are cheaper, lighter and also have low battery drainage. Does anyone know any place where i can buy LED lights?

lol, I dont own an aeroplane just yet, Im half way thorugh my PPL course and decided to do combine my night rating. :)

P16

[Tinstaafl]

Mine are from the USA however any number of LED torches are advertised in magazines.

Chances are you'll have seen one of those 'Innovations' catalogues. Quite a few designs are advertised there.

The internet will have stacks available as well.

I wouldn't go back to a conventional bulb torch now. The batteries in mine are still going strong after a year and I fly often at night.

I think mine is a 'Photon micro light'.

[MLS-12D]

Pilot 16,

Sorry, I can't point you to a specific U.K. website, but as Tinstaafl says, retailers carrying LED lights are not very difficult to find.

This is one place that sells the 1930 L1 by mailorder:
http://www.southwestpublicsafety.com/pel19l1led.html

This is the Photon of which Tinstaafl speaks:
http://www.equipped.org/led_lights3b.htm It got a great review from "Equipped to Survive". They were slightly less keen on the 1930 L1, but were still very complementary: http://www.equipped.org/led_lights4.htm

MLS-12D

P.S.: you will find the following two articles to be of general interest:
http://www.equipped.org/led_lights.htm
http://www.equipped.org/devices27.htm

[atb1943]

For a brilliant, sharply defined light you can't beat (IMHO) the Aspherilux from Docter, Germany. Do a search on google.

I bought one at the PFA Rally a couple of years ago and it was a good investment. You hold it like a pistol, or a packet of fags, the bulb (halogen) is across the top.

LEDs can also be found at:

http://www.theledlight.com/agent.cgi?agent=10403&page=flashlightindex.html

cheers