LED light bulbs have emerged as the leading choice in lighting options on the consumer market. They are now comparably priced with incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and offer extended efficiency and longevity. As a result of these advantages, LED bulbs have become the most popular choice in household lighting.
LEDs have also begun to dominate the market for industry-specific and specialty lighting. They’re increasingly being relied upon for lamps in manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and other settings.
LED light bulbs are now found throughout the cockpit and cabin. Many of them are the miniature incandescents that were used as indicator lights throughout the craft. These include those on the control panel of the flight deck, which have been replaced with LEDs. Likewise, small bulbs needed throughout the cabin have also been updated. For example, LED aircraft reading lights and call lights, LED logo lights, emergency egress lights, RTO lights, and upwash/downwash LEDs are common on modern commercial jets.
These bulbs provide extended life as a result of their lower operational temperature. This is advantageous in an aircraft application, as these bulbs require fewer replacements, which amounts to less maintenance and downtime for the craft.
When aircraft LEDs are required by OEMs, they are usually sourced directly from a manufacturer like Teledyne, AeroLEDS, and other companies that produce FAA and PMA approved light bulbs.
If LED light bulbs for aircraft are needed as replacement bulbs or for maintenance purposes, then it is preferable to rely on an authorized light bulb and lamp distributor. Such sources are better able to assist customers with smaller quantity orders, including those who may need assistance in identifying a specific bulb.
Where to get aircraft LED replacement light bulbs?
When a specific type of LED light bulb is needed as a replacement, whether to replace a dead bulb or to update from a different type to an LED, it is best to source that product from an authorized lighting distributor. Doing so can assure access to a more extensive array of products. If an aviation-specific or aircraft LED is needed, that bulb should be sourced from a provider of FAA/PMA approved bulbs.
What are drop-in replacement LED light bulbs?
Drop-in replacement LEDs, sometimes called direct drop-in replacements, are bulbs that can be screwed in or inserted into a light fixture that has previously been used with other types of bulbs, such as incandescents or halogens.
Drop-in replacement LEDs feature a base that is comparable to other bulb types. This means that the terminal or fixture does not need to also be modified when LEDs are meant to replace an older type of bulb. Drop-in replacement LEDs are also meant to provide lumens and light quality that is comparable to other types of bulbs, even if the actual wattage and volts required are significantly reduced and therefore require less energy.
What is the lifespan of LED light bulbs?
The typical lifespan of LEDs is roughly 30,000 hours in some specialty applications. This is the expected longevity of aircraft LEDs, for example. Other LED bulbs used in common household fixtures can be as long as 50,000 hours.
This lifespan of LEDs is about 50-times greater than an incandescent bulb, 25-times greater than a halogen bulb, and 10-times greater than a CFL when used in a comparable setting. One of the greatest factors in this extended longevity is the reduced heat of LEDs and the lack of a filament to burn out with regular use.