Duckworks Stlye Landing lights

[PlaneDan]

This is PlaneDan here to apologize for repeating information that I had received when I asked a question about the airfoil much earlier in my Panther building experience. I cannot quote where the answer I was given about the airfoil came from, because I don't remember. I thought, at the time, that it came from a source that would know and I am sorry that I did not vet that information before repeating it. In the future, I will stay with what I have found about MY build, from personal experience and leave the rest to those who have first hand information.

I thank Dan for clearing that up and appreciate the information.

[danweseman]

Guys
A quick clarification , Sean had opened a support ticket about lights , not Christopher, Sorry, Its getting hard to keep the builders straight....
On lights, I have to remind people to very conscious about adding weight.Every little bit adds up and next thing you know the airplane is 50 lbs heavier than you thought. The prototype has no lights, ELT, Transponder, Auto pilot, or fancy upholstery. Every ounce counts....
Thanks

[Sacpilot]

Dan,

Thanks for clarifying on bay. I appreciate the reminder on the support tickets. You guys have been super responsive there. I check the forums here 1-2xs a day on my phone, and I think we forget that you guys don't check this as often bc there is regular activity.

For the new guys who are building, Dan is right. Once you are building, the support ticket system seems to be working really well, for me at least. The response time is usually within 24 hours. The forums here seems to be more for people with general discussions prior to building or general banter.

Almost ready to dimple and rivet elevators after 2 build sessions of about 2-3 hours a piece. I am taking a more leisurely pace on this, but so far, it's really pretty easy. Will become even easier as plans progress.

[danweseman]

HI Guys
Christopher asked this question through a support ticket also and I responded to that. As I told him we can keep up with every thread here. If you have a technical question and you want a answer from SPA,it is best to open a support ticket as we put our efforts to them first.
A light cut out in the outboard end of the wing LE skin is fine (last bay). In general be cautious of saying " RVs do it so can we" I realize many times it may be true , but not always.
Dan the airfoil is a 23015 (15% thick) the RV3 use 23012 (12%) and the 4-8 use 23013.5 (13.5% thick)
our LE skins are thinner than any of the RV series.

[PlaneDan]

Structural or not, the last thing I will do is to cut into the skin of my wing. I have seen landing lights in the cowling, would this not be more suitable for this craft? I do know that the RV guys do it all the time, so am pretty confident that it is not a structural problem. This is the same airfoil use on the RV 4 thru 8 and I do believe that the skin is tougher on the Panther that it is on any of the RVs.

[Sacpilot]

Dan/Paul

Any thoughts on this? I am interested as well

[Seansull]

So, is it structurally acceptable to install leading edge landing lights in last bay of our wings?

[PlaneDan]

I have no intention to fly at "NIGHT". If I can't see the ground, I want to be on the ground. Therefore, I have no plans for a landing light.

[Seansull]

Where are you putting your landing light?

[PlaneDan]

I am going to use wingtip lighting. It will probably be one of these:

From Aircraft Spruce.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... rburst.php

AVEO POWERBURST GRN-RED-WHITE
Part #: 05-04877

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... series.php

AVEOFLASH LSA LED STROBE
Part #: 11-07360