Alternating landing lights?

HannibalHays · 10-22-2002, 06:35 AM

I've seen some conjecture about this subject on other flight sim forums...

Recently I've noticed aircraft turning on final to KPHX have flashing (ie: alternating) landing lights. I recall seeing them last year for a while as well but not for some time until lately... Some say they're for better visability in the pattern, others say they're to reduce bird hits... Anyone set me straight on this? Thanks!

Scott · 10-22-2002, 08:06 AM

Scott; I believe the only carrier serving PHX with alternating landing lights is Southwest. The Pulselight system is supposed to enhance visibility on the theory that a flashing light source may attract attention earlier than a steady one. Don't know if this has an effect on bird strikes. The system is not a Boeing option, rather vendor provided. UA tested the system on a few 737-300's, but did not pursue a fleetwide retrofit. A few of the aircraft still have the switches in the cockpit, but are labeled "deactivated".

ewerhan · 10-22-2002, 08:52 AM

Had the pulselight system installed on the Jetstream 32s operated by CCAir (USAirways Express). I think it was designed to enhance the noticability during daylight landings as opposed to the steady operation for night landings. System was wired as an alternate position on the left hand landing light switch. (right hand switch included the taxi light).

ewerhan

Full Flaps! · 10-22-2002, 10:23 AM

I have seen this ALTERNATING lights at the MIA airport too.

While in flight school (decades ago) we were told that INTERMITTENT landing lights were to inform the tower or
other airplanes that the comunication radio was not working.
Does that remain the same?

HannibalHays · 10-22-2002, 06:03 PM

Interesting... they DO look very cool turning final with lights flashing like that!

Btw- I spotted the new service HAL 767 departing KPHX yesterday... nice!

Airliners! · 10-22-2002, 06:59 PM

Southwest does this - as an improved 'visibility' option.

Westjetter · 10-24-2002, 02:39 AM

All WestJet 737-200's have the pulsating landing lights. I have been told they have 2 purposes. 1) it apparently does scare birds 2)it makes the airplane more visible and easy to spot!

Jeremy · 10-29-2002, 11:23 PM

Scenic Airlines in Las Vegas has them on their Twin Otters.

9V-SVC · 10-30-2002, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Westjetter
All WestJet 737-200's have the pulsating landing lights. I have been told they have 2 purposes. 1) it apparently does scare birds 2)it makes the airplane more visible and easy to spot!

How about their 737-700s ?

Westjetter · 10-30-2002, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 9V-SVC
How about their 737-700s ?

I believe the 700's have it too. I vaugely remember playing with them when I was in the 700 sim. Ill check and get back to you.

richie154 · 10-31-2002, 04:14 AM

i see tons of SWA 737-300's with the alternating "Blinkenlight" at SJC, its very cool and i can impress my non-airliner nerd friends when the plane is 5 miles out and i say its a SWA bird. also, the San Jose police helo has a blinking landing light, as do lots of bizjets and higher end Cessna single engined planes have it too.

boeingbill · 11-01-2002, 01:51 AM

All the bizjets at my place have alternating landing lights. In fact some of the logo lights that light the tails up can be set on alternating.

Westjetter · 11-01-2002, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Westjetter
I believe the 700's have it too. I vaugely remember playing with them when I was in the 700 sim. Ill check and get back to you.

Yes! WestJet 700's have alternating landing lights

jjorgemiami · 11-03-2002, 04:38 PM

I beleive this is used by many commuter companies, also aircraft that use non ATC served airports. Those that have no control tower on the premises.

10-22-2002, 06:35 AM	#1
HannibalHays Master Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 841	Alternating landing lights? I've seen some conjecture about this subject on other flight sim forums... Recently I've noticed aircraft turning on final to KPHX have flashing (ie: alternating) landing lights. I recall seeing them last year for a while as well but not for some time until lately... Some say they're for better visability in the pattern, others say they're to reduce bird hits... Anyone set me straight on this? Thanks! __________________ Scott

10-22-2002, 08:06 AM	#2
Scott Insane Collector Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Escondido, Ca. USA Age: 50 Posts: 2,763	Scott; I believe the only carrier serving PHX with alternating landing lights is Southwest. The Pulselight system is supposed to enhance visibility on the theory that a flashing light source may attract attention earlier than a steady one. Don't know if this has an effect on bird strikes. The system is not a Boeing option, rather vendor provided. UA tested the system on a few 737-300's, but did not pursue a fleetwide retrofit. A few of the aircraft still have the switches in the cockpit, but are labeled "deactivated". __________________ Fly the Friendly Skies of United uniTED takes wing Feb 12, 2004

10-22-2002, 10:23 AM	#4
Full Flaps! Senior Collector Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Miami, FL. Posts: 264	I have seen this ALTERNATING lights at the MIA airport too. While in flight school (decades ago) we were told that INTERMITTENT landing lights were to inform the tower or other airplanes that the comunication radio was not working. Does that remain the same? __________________ I love my 1/400s

10-22-2002, 06:03 PM	#5
HannibalHays Master Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 841	Interesting... they DO look very cool turning final with lights flashing like that! Btw- I spotted the new service HAL 767 departing KPHX yesterday... nice! __________________ Scott

10-22-2002, 06:59 PM	#6
Airliners! Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Valley of the Sun, Arizona Posts: 562	Southwest does this - as an improved 'visibility' option. __________________ Russell www.airline-hobby.com

10-22-2002, 08:52 AM	#3
ewerhan Junior Collector Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Gastonia, NC USA Age: 40 Posts: 42	Had the pulselight system installed on the Jetstream 32s operated by CCAir (USAirways Express). I think it was designed to enhance the noticability during daylight landings as opposed to the steady operation for night landings. System was wired as an alternate position on the left hand landing light switch. (right hand switch included the taxi light). ewerhan

10-24-2002, 02:39 AM	#7
Westjetter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Age: 27 Posts: 2,650	All WestJet 737-200's have the pulsating landing lights. I have been told they have 2 purposes. 1) it apparently does scare birds 2)it makes the airplane more visible and easy to spot!

10-29-2002, 11:23 PM	#8
Jeremy Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: BAA Indianapolis Posts: 583	Scenic Airlines in Las Vegas has them on their Twin Otters. __________________ One Nation under God There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

10-31-2002, 04:14 AM	#11
richie154 Retired Hookah Master Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley of Heart's Delight Age: 24 Posts: 3,719	i see tons of SWA 737-300's with the alternating "Blinkenlight" at SJC, its very cool and i can impress my non-airliner nerd friends when the plane is 5 miles out and i say its a SWA bird. also, the San Jose police helo has a blinking landing light, as do lots of bizjets and higher end Cessna single engined planes have it too. __________________ The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villian with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart. Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath! Private Pilot: 10/20/2005 Private Multi Engine: 05/09/2008 The more things change, the more Mesa still sucks.

11-01-2002, 01:51 AM	#12
boeingbill Collector Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Jose, Ca Age: 35 Posts: 106	All the bizjets at my place have alternating landing lights. In fact some of the logo lights that light the tails up can be set on alternating.

11-03-2002, 04:38 PM	#14
jjorgemiami Complete Wacko! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: MIAMI Age: 47 Posts: 5,857	I beleive this is used by many commuter companies, also aircraft that use non ATC served airports. Those that have no control tower on the premises. __________________ Fly United Airlines we are R I S I N G !

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: