Everyone that responded, thanks, it was a big help.
First I want to reiterate I have no intension of flying in icing conditions, however even with the best planing unexpected things happen. Because the Legacy is optimized for performance the ice margins are extremely thin. That is why I have chosen to go with the Kelly/Notrhcoat de-ice system. I think swapping my back-up alternator for the deice alternator and adding the strips to my wings, vert., horizontals and Prop. and loosing a few knots and gaining a few extra pounds and the cost is worth the peace of mind.
First to the flashlight group; I carry two flashlights, one extra bright for inspections and a back-up and the other a regular white/red, plus my phone puts out a good amount of light in and emergency. A flashlight shone out the window would be the most inexpensive way to go, (and I use it now with the rentals at night) but I think the least safest way to go. If the temps are in the freezing zone and I am flying at night I want to check for ice accumulations every few minutes. Pressing a button and looking out the window is just easer and more reliable than using a flashlight. I have ended up fumbling or searching the floor for one after bad turbulence a few times. I am putting a map light in for the same reason.
Colin wrote:,
What about a view of the horizontal stab out of the rear window with a light shining down the h-stab leading edge? That's a good idea. I hate to admit it but I was thinking of putting a usb camera pointing out the back on the IVP too. Then you could see the horns on the vstab too I have a low voltage spot light on mine, similar to the ong landing light. The bigger problem than the light itself is how to maximize the amount of span you can see. It is hard to get a light into the root so that you can align it to the dihedral. You are probably better off with a flood and then you will still have to pay attention how you aim it. Also consider that the light itself may have some ice on it.
Colin, thats a great idea! I was looking at the visual angles after I got the idea and can see you really can not see the leading edge of the wings fully. I think the best place for a light would be in the Fuselage/Vertical, parallel with the Pilots Horizontal, illuminating the Pilots Horizontal. A usb infrared would be good at night! but I have no room for a screen and don't think it will be big enough to see clearly.
Skip Slater wrote:
The one suggestion I have is when considering a paint scheme to put some dark paint somewhere along your leading edge or you won't see a lot of the ice. I've run into ice once in my ES during a descent that ran into a rapidly descending overcast from above me. If I didn't have some dark blue paint out near the end of my wings, I couldn't have seen it. By detecting it early, I was able to reverse course and get rid of it quickly, then continue my descent in the clear.
Skip, That's a great idea and I will keep it in mind when decide on my paint scheme.
Grayhawk wrote:
Yeah, Grayhawk had one on a Skymaster where one sits in front of the wing leading edge. In a Lancair we sit back far enough that it is hard to see the initial ice formation on the wing leading edge. Otherwise, something in the fuselage that shines down the wing - turn it on, if you don't like what you see, turn it off. What about a view of the horizontal stab out of the rear window with a light shining down the h-stab leading edge? Yes I am doing that now.
Brian wrote:, Kevin, I've installed Whelen ice light fixtures from the Piper Malibu in a few IVP's. I have custom lenses cut to fit flush with the outer skin.
They provide light from the fuselage to the winglets and are designed for a pressurized installation.
I have several pictures of how this installation was done, let me know if you would like more info.
Brian, I was looking at the Whelen Model 71092 Series LED recognition light:
It weighs .43 lbs. The one you are using looks lighter, what model is it, and what are you using for a lens, or can you sell me one?
I'll call you.
Thanks everyone.
Kevin
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