AeroLEDs’ landing, taxi lights approved for Part 27 helicopters

January 15, 2021 By Alyssa J. Cobb

Upgrading the lights on their aircraft to LEDs is a common move among owners who want to increase their visibility for collision avoidance and get more life from their lights. Now, AeroLEDs taxi and landing lights are available for more than 200 makes and models of rotorcraft certified under Part 27.

AeroLEDs taxi and landing lights are available for more than 200 makes and models of rotorcraft certified under Part 27. Image courtesy of AeroLEDs.

The FAA granted supplemental type certificate approval of the SunSpot 36 and 46 series LEDs on December 17. According to AeroLEDs, the STC covers “nearly all ‘Normal’ category rotorcraft.” This includes helicopters by Airbus, Bell, Robinson, Sikorsky, MD Helicopters, Leonardo, Orlando Helicopters, Enstrom, and more.

The SunSpot Series lights are 10 times more efficient, draw 40 percent less power than incandescent lights, can be seen up to 30 miles away, are resistant to vibration and shock, and create less drag on the airplane or helicopter, the company said.

In addition, “these LEDs do not interfere with NVG equipment and are available with integrated pulse for optimum visibility during extreme operating conditions,” AeroLEDs said.

The SunSpot Series has been STCed for Part 23 aircraft since 2011.

Alyssa J. Cobb

The former senior director of digital media, Alyssa J. Cobb was on the AOPA staff from 2004 until 2023. She is a flight instructor, and loves flying her Cessna 170B with her husband and two children. Alyssa also hosts the weekly Fly with AOPA show on the AOPA Pilot Video YouTube channel.

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Topics: Aircraft Modifications, Helicopter

AeroLEDs’ landing, taxi lights approved for Part 27 helicopters

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