Landing Lights at NAPA

In discussing our relatively new Skycraft landing lights (the
cut-into-the-leading-edge-of-the-wings type) here the other day, I noted
that I had just burned out a GE 4509 after around 35 hours. This surprised
me, since, being out in the wing, I expected there to be less
filament-killing vibration, and had hoped for a longer life from the
conventional bulb.

So, after it burned out, I ordered a Q4509 -- the quartz-halogen equivalent,
with a proven much longer life -- from Spruce, which arrived today.

Imagine my surprise when I get to the hangar, turn the lights on (because,
of course, I can't remember which light is burned out) -- and NEITHER wing
landing light works. At first I suspected a blown circuit breaker, but, no,
the OTHER 4509 had also blown, within 30 minutes of its mate.

I'll say this about them: They may be junk bulbs, but at least they are
*consistent* junk bulbs.

:-)

So, not wanting to wait another week for Spruce, I headed over to my FBO,
who (of course) only had 4509s in stock, for some OUTRAGEOUS price. I
declined, figuring if I'm going to pay thirty bucks for a stupid light bulb,
I wanted it to be the long-life quartz one.

Then, I think, hey -- didn't I remember you guys talking about "tractor bulb
equivalents" and the like? So, I pointed the Grape toward my local NAPA
auto parts store, burnt-out bulb in hand, and simply handed it to the guy
behind the counter and asked for a direct replacement.

To my delight, he instantly produced a NAPA equivalent bulb, made by Wagner,
same number (4509) and everything. Best of all, it costs a whole $13.49.

Unfortunately, they don't make a quartz equivalent, so I suspect I'll be
replacing this bulb in another couple of months -- but it's just nice to
have a cheap, locally available alternative. Heck, the box even SAYS
"aircraft light" on it -- so it's probably even legal!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

So, not wanting to wait another week for Spruce, I headed over to my FBO,
who (of course) only had 4509s in stock, for some OUTRAGEOUS price. I
declined, figuring if I'm going to pay thirty bucks for a stupid light
bulb,
I wanted it to be the long-life quartz one.


I'd buy a dozen, jack up the price, sell them to your FBO, and tell them
they are getting a hell of a deal! It would serve them right.
Jim

I'd buy a dozen, jack up the price, sell them to your FBO, and tell them
they are getting a hell of a deal! It would serve them right.

Yeah, I like to support my local FBO, but when they start jacking prices of
consumables 250% over retail, I tend to get ****ed.

It's just dumb business.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

I wonder if the markup was really at the retail end or just cumulative
along the line. Once the "airplane" pedigree is attached, everyone
appears to have a license to steal in the name of "liability". Then
again, the "lottery" mentality of many might lead me in the same direction.

Mike


I'd buy a dozen, jack up the price, sell them to your FBO, and tell them
they are getting a hell of a deal! It would serve them right.


Yeah, I like to support my local FBO, but when they start jacking prices of
consumables 250% over retail, I tend to get ****ed.

It's just dumb business.

"Mike Spera" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I wonder if the markup was really at the retail end or just cumulative
along the line. Once the "airplane" pedigree is attached, everyone appears
to have a license to steal in the name of "liability". Then again, the
"lottery" mentality of many might lead me in the same direction.

Mike

The problem all aviation parts/supply sellers face is that the aviation
market doesn't support much sales volume. So, to stay in business, those
retailers charge larger markups than many other retailers. The less stuff
we buy from aviation sources, the worse this low volume/high price spiral
becomes. It's a Catch-22..

KB

That is true for replacement interior parts, and specialty items like that.
Not as true for a lamp that has countless automotive and industrial uses.
Somebody had mentioned their FBO selling 4509 bulbs for $25. They are not
hoping to get your maintenace parts sales, they are wanting to sell to that
poor guy that is trying to get out of there at 10 at night and no where else
to buy a landing light. So, best advice, if you find a reasonable price,
stock up and keep a couple on hand.

"Kyle Boatright" wrote in message
...

"Mike Spera" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I wonder if the markup was really at the retail end or just cumulative
along the line. Once the "airplane" pedigree is attached, everyone
appears
to have a license to steal in the name of "liability". Then again, the
"lottery" mentality of many might lead me in the same direction.

Mike

The problem all aviation parts/supply sellers face is that the aviation
market doesn't support much sales volume. So, to stay in business, those
retailers charge larger markups than many other retailers. The less stuff
we buy from aviation sources, the worse this low volume/high price spiral
becomes. It's a Catch-22..

KB

Jay,

Perhaps they're trying to tell you something. Have you checked that the
voltage regulator is not spiking significantly over 14V? Just a thought.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)


"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:eiX5f.451061$_o.173822@attbi_s71...
In discussing our relatively new Skycraft landing lights (the
cut-into-the-leading-edge-of-the-wings type) here the other day, I noted
that I had just burned out a GE 4509 after around 35 hours. This
surprised me, since, being out in the wing, I expected there to be less
filament-killing vibration, and had hoped for a longer life from the
conventional bulb.

So, after it burned out, I ordered a Q4509 -- the quartz-halogen
equivalent, with a proven much longer life -- from Spruce, which arrived
today.

Imagine my surprise when I get to the hangar, turn the lights on (because,
of course, I can't remember which light is burned out) -- and NEITHER wing
landing light works. At first I suspected a blown circuit breaker, but,
no, the OTHER 4509 had also blown, within 30 minutes of its mate.

I'll say this about them: They may be junk bulbs, but at least they are
*consistent* junk bulbs.

:-)

So, not wanting to wait another week for Spruce, I headed over to my FBO,
who (of course) only had 4509s in stock, for some OUTRAGEOUS price. I
declined, figuring if I'm going to pay thirty bucks for a stupid light
bulb, I wanted it to be the long-life quartz one.

Then, I think, hey -- didn't I remember you guys talking about "tractor
bulb equivalents" and the like? So, I pointed the Grape toward my local
NAPA auto parts store, burnt-out bulb in hand, and simply handed it to the
guy behind the counter and asked for a direct replacement.

To my delight, he instantly produced a NAPA equivalent bulb, made by
Wagner, same number (4509) and everything. Best of all, it costs a whole
$13.49.

Unfortunately, they don't make a quartz equivalent, so I suspect I'll be
replacing this bulb in another couple of months -- but it's just nice to
have a cheap, locally available alternative. Heck, the box even SAYS
"aircraft light" on it -- so it's probably even legal!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Perhaps they're trying to tell you something. Have you checked that the
voltage regulator is not spiking significantly over 14V? Just a thought.

Thanks, Bob, but I think the only thing those bulbs were trying to tell
me was "We're junk!"

It's stunning (to me, anyway) that GE continues to successfully market
a landing light bulb with a 25 hour design-life. (The 4509)

I'll bet they laugh every time they sell one.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Jay Honeck wrote:

It's stunning (to me, anyway) that GE continues to successfully market
a landing light bulb with a 25 hour design-life. (The 4509)

Ok, smarty-pants -- *YOU* try to design a bulb that size that puts out that much
light.

George Patterson
Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you quarrel with your neighbor.
It makes you shoot at your landlord. And it makes you miss him.

It's stunning (to me, anyway) that GE continues to successfully market
a landing light bulb with a 25 hour design-life. (The 4509)

Ok, smarty-pants -- *YOU* try to design a bulb that size that puts out that much
light.

Why re-invent the wheel? GE already has it, with the Q4509.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"