Adding a Landing Light with Pics

[MauleEnvy]

So I wanted to add a landing light to my right wing. Took some pics along the way and thought I would lay it out here for anyone considering doing the same.



First step is to mark the wing. I found using a bare landing light lens laid up against the wing works the best.




Once marked out drill the holes at the corners for a nice radius. I used a 3/16" bit.




Put the assembly in place and mark for the mounting holes. It helps to have 2 people for this as you need to be aggressive to get a good tight fit. I did it by myself and have a little gap at the bottom. I marked, drilled and clecoed the top, then the same for the bottom. This si where a second set of hands really pushing the bottom in tight and flush would have helped. Live and learn...




Debur and install rivnuts. Untape the wire Maule was kind enough to put in the wing for us



Hook up the wire and install into the wing. Just that easy!

[Duane]

To get a good tight fit on the bottom, after I have the cleco's on the top, I use a piece of 2" masking tape around the front and you can get some good leverage to tighten the bottom and hold it while you drill the bottom holes. Just make sure the hole in the wing is slightly larger than the glass. You'll need that for expansion anyway.

[AndrewK]

Good post and tips!
Now if only someone had something like this for the up-gross kit. Guess I just volunteered for when I get around to it.

[DeltaRomeo]

A ratchet strap and a wing jack would get it pretty tight, too.

Sure would like a pirep on that Ridgid LED lamp...

[MauleEnvy]

Sure would like a pirep on that Ridgid LED lamp...

I haven’t tried it at night, but it is Way brighter than the Whelen in the other wing! Rigid 62010. I don’t do any night flying, for me it’s all about being seen. After seeing how bright the Rigid is, I wouldn’t run anything else. The left wing is getting one now to replace the Whelen.

[Stinger]

A ratchet strap and a wing jack would get it pretty tight, too.

Sure would like a pirep on that Ridgid LED lamp...

I've got one in each wing along with the maxpulse. Controllers in the tower have told me they like the flashing lights.
I haven't gone flying at night with them, but I tested them from my hangar at night. Lit up about 100 feet of grass, then the road, then another 50 feet of grass, and onto another hangar. Walked across the road and stood at the other hangar, looking towards my airplane...crazy bright...definitely need to be aware of people and aircraft moving around at night so you don't blind them inadvertently.

[ajak]

Sure would like a pirep on that Ridgid LED lamp...

Might do a search for "Rigid" on the forum pages - a few threads out there on them, including a bunch of before and after pictures of how well they light you up. I've been running them myself for a couple of years now, and I think they're still the brightest ones you can get.

[crbnunit]

You know, I just saw these on sale from 4Wheel Online for $49.00/ea while Aircraft Spruce has them listed for $219.00/ea. Same part number... These are not TSO or PMa'd parts anyway.

https://4wheelonline.com/rigid-industri ... s.223320.0

If anyone is interested..

Looks like Mario's hanger.

[MauleEnvy]

Looks like Mario's hanger.

Good Eye! It was at Mario's for annual.

[crbnunit]

The exhaust duct for the paint booth is pretty unique!

[gbarrier]

Same price at 4 wheel online ($219). The 020 part (diffused ones) are $49.

[crbnunit]

Either the sale ended or it was an error they corrected because both spot and defused are $219 now! Maybe someone called them and they panicked! Ah well... Too good to be true.

[51598Rob]

Is the light assembly a kit from Maule? What's the probability that a M5 would be pre-wired for another light?

[Chris in Milwaukee]

It is a kit, including bulb if memory serves. $200-ish for the kit when I called them last summer. Good question about the pre-wire.

[MauleEnvy]

What's the probability that a M5 would be pre-wired for another light?

The wire is there. On mine it already had a terminal crimped on and was taped up.