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#1
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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" |
#2
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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 |
#3
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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" |
#4
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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. |
#5
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Landing Lights at NAPA
"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 |
#6
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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 $25. They are not hoping to get your maintenace parts sales, they are wanting to sell to that poor guy that is trying to get out of there at 10 at night and no where else to buy a landing light. So, best advice, if you find a reasonable price, stock up and keep a couple on hand. "Kyle Boatright" wrote in message ... "Mike Spera" wrote in message hlink.net... I wonder if the markup was really at the retail end or just cumulative along the line. Once the "airplane" pedigree is attached, everyone appears to have a license to steal in the name of "liability". Then again, the "lottery" mentality of many might lead me in the same direction. Mike The problem all aviation parts/supply sellers face is that the aviation market doesn't support much sales volume. So, to stay in business, those retailers charge larger markups than many other retailers. The less stuff we buy from aviation sources, the worse this low volume/high price spiral becomes. It's a Catch-22.. KB |
#7
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Landing Lights at NAPA
Jay,
Perhaps they're trying to tell you something. Have you checked that the voltage regulator is not spiking significantly over 14V? Just a thought. -- Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways) "Jay Honeck" wrote in message news:eiX5f.451061$_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" |
#8
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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" |
#9
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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. |
#10
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Landing Lights at NAPA
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" |
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