Page 1 of 2

Beacon Removal

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 3:02 pm
by 8209
A couple of weeks ago I was trying to get my beacon out to work on it. Here is a picture of it, any suggestions other than finding a little guy to crawl half way to the tail and catch it?
image.jpeg
image.jpeg (372.35 KiB) Viewed 4288 times

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 5:29 pm
by 2066
The good news is that it's a small hole (relatively). The bad news is that it's a small hole :( ...so, your solution of conning someone into crawling back there to "catch" it is all I can think of. After it's out, FWIW, I'd opt for another beacon that's new/dependable and that can be installed & accessed from the top side...or, patch the hole & go for wing tip strobes/LEDs? It's a bummer that it was apparently installed with little consideration for future R & R and continued airworthiness/maintenance. Mac

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:30 pm
by 6643
Duct tape a string to it and let it drop. Cut the hole bigger and fish it out. Install a different beacon from the top, as it should be.

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:01 pm
by 8209
I think the string idea will work. I've more been thinking about how I would get it back in, but finding another one that mounts from the outside would probably be better in the long run. Any suggestions what type or brand would work best?
Thanks

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 5:31 am
by 6643
Whelen HRCF with A440 mounting ring.

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 6:37 am
by 8209
Thank you John

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 7:14 pm
by 6643
If you want to go cheaper, the Universal Flight Strobe FS-4400 is about half the price. There is an adapter ring for it, too.

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 7:31 pm
by 8209
That sounds a lot better, especially the price.
Thanks for the info.
BW

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 10:15 am
by 6277
Fishing net on a long pole. :)

Re: Beacon Removal

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 10:49 pm
by 8209
Ok, I got the thing out. I have no idea what might be wrong, it may just be the bulb. Unfortunately the way it's mounted I had to take the whole thing out from the bottom just to get the lense off. Not sure how I would ever get it back in if I do get it working.
I know if you have a beacon it has to work. Can I just remove it completely and not have a beacon?
Thanks