Upgrading exterior lights on my new 1959 PA-24-250

[Adolfo Ortiz]

I just picked up my first plane and it is a 1959 PA-24-250 Comanche. I am planning on updating the exterior lighting system to leds.
The following are what I was planning on picking up from knots2u, they are all Whelen:

Replaces two landing lights
WEP36P1L PAR36 LED Drop-In Replacement, 14V Landing Light.

These replaces the wingtip lights and adds white strobes (current wingtip lights do not have strobes)
WEOR6001G ORION 600 12V WINGTIP PTA GREEN.FAA-TSO
WEOR6001R ORION 600 12V WINGTIP PTA RED. FAA-TSO

Replaces the two tailghts
WHELEN WEOR5001V ORION LED TAIL POSITION / STROBE
COMBINATION. 14VDC.

This set moves the fuselage beacon to the tail, it's a complete assembly for the PA24-250
WE9052051 Whelen LED Flashing Beacon. Red/White 14VDC.
2.6" Mount. 01-0790520-51. K2U Stock (C100707)
24BCN PA-24 Fin Cap; FAA-PMA Knots 2U

Any thoughts on the upgrade? Which items can be replaced by me and do they all need to be noted in the logs? I do have a mechanic but if I can do them myself it would save on cost.
As for the fuselage mounted beacon, how would I cover the hole that is left when taking the beacon out?

Thanks
Rudy

[N3322G]

Rudy,

Saw this was your first post - welcome!

Have done landing lights and tail beacon on my Twin with LEDs and have been happy.

In terms of paperwork, you'll need to hear from someone who knows with certainty on that. There is a section in the FARs on what owners can do.

[JIMICS2452]

You can replace the landing lights as owner maintenance, but you need to make the logbook entry. The rest are equipment changes that will require an AP or AI sign off, and possibly a Form 337 done by an AI depending on the paperwork supplied by the manufacturer. A lot of LED light fixtures on the market do not have proper FAA approvals and are not able to be legally installed on certificated aircraft. Be sure to check on approvals before spending money.

[Adolfo Ortiz]

Hi guys!

Jim - the lights I will be getting do come with FAA documents for the AP to use. I made sure they are for certified aircraft. Thanks!

N3322G - I've heard nothing but good things with those that swapped out to LED's. Thanks for the welcome as well!

[Richard Lanning]

I installed the Orion wingtip LED/Strobes on my 1959 PA24-250. The nav lights are definitely brighter than the stock lights. The strobes are not as bright as other strobes but certainly an improvement.

You will need a 337 for these.

I am curious why you are moving the camelback beacon?

[Mark Anderson]

Richard,

Regarding the camel back light, I removed mine a few years ago. I did a couple of speed mods at the same time and don't have any hard data. I definitely think it makes the airplane look faster.

This is what it says on the website:

The advantages are: more light, reduced drag, and less drain on the battery. Due to acceleration of air over the curved roof line, any objects there can penalize speed significantly. By removing the old rotating beacon 1 mph can be gained!

Mark

[Adolfo Ortiz]

@Richard - for greater visibility
@Mark - Yes saw those as well

[Adolfo Ortiz]

Update:

The exterior lights have been upgraded to the LED's and WOW! What a difference!
Nice and bright now, love them!