Q: How do I know what size base I need for my airplane?
A: There are generally two size bases that exist for General Aviation (GA) aircraft. Either 2.5" or 3.75" (3.66" to be precise but everyone for some reason says 3.75"). You need to measure the base of the beacon where it mounts into the aircraft. Be sure that you are not measuring where the lens attached to the strobe power supply on strobe beacons, you need to measure the housing, adapter ring, or mounting plate it sits on. If you're still not sure, snap a photo and email it to us at
[email protected] to be sure. We like taking the extra time to ensure you get what you need.
Q: What color beacon should I get?
A: The color of the beacon is strictly up to you. Most of the Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT)
TSO-C96a approved. TSO-C96a is the FAA performance standard for Anticollision Light Systems. Buried within that document, and linked to others, the FAA requires an anticollision light system to be Aviation Red or Aviation White. Because of that, you see beacons that are all red, split red and white, or all white. Most people stick with the color they are replacing but we generally see all-red or a split red and white colored LED beacon on the top of the aircraft and either split red and white or all white on the belly of the airplane. From our observations, they all work really well when it is dark out but on bright sunny days we believe all-red jumps out the most.
Q: How long do the beacons take to install?
A: Barring any unforeseen issue, these beacons are relatively easy to install. They have a power and a ground wire, and they will generally drop into existing mounting adapters so we estimate around 1 hour top to do the installation. As always, please ensure you follow the applicable Installation Guide and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for these products.
Q: Why is it tough to get the screws into the 3.75" base?
A: It can be tough to get the screws into the 3.75" base because that bell shaped base has a Heli-Coil insert, which is designed to grip onto the hardware to help prevent it from even backing out.
