What are Internal Aircraft Lighting Systems?
Internal lighting systems provide passengers and crewmen with visual assistance for many essential purposes. Though not commonly used in general aviation, illumination of the cabin and cockpit are common occurrences within older and newer passenger-centric aircraft. Found within the vehicle for the purpose of general illumination and coming in the form of cabin & compartment lighting, signage, cockpit lights, controls, and more, these lighting systems work together to provide easy visibility for safety purposes, acknowledgment of specific aircraft locations, and passenger comfort. Culminated through the study of how lighting can impose various psychological effects on passengers, airline manufacturers have utilized gathered information to create a more enjoyable experience for all aboard. To better understand how interior aircraft lighting works, we will dive into how such features have evolved and why they are an essential factor in creating an inviting atmosphere for flyers.
Whether it be day or night, passengers among modern flights require adequate lighting to perform leisure activities. Playing a significant role in an individual's mood, energy levels, appetite, and circadian rhythm, cabin lights are essential in promoting passenger satisfaction and safety. Common passenger lighting systems included hallway lights, stair lights, accent lights, personal overhead lights, and seatbelt signs, among others. Originating from the use of conventional incandescent lights, this aging method provided sufficient indoor lighting but lacked reliability. Often failing after one-thousand hours, or roughly one to two years of use, incandescent lights require frequent maintenance and replacement. Through the rise and standardization of LED lighting, aircraft interior lighting fixtures have benefited from such components as they supply significantly more Mean Time Before Failures (MTBF) as compared to their predecessor.
Within the cockpit, it is essential that pilots have visibility of all necessary instruments at all times. When flying at night or during low-light conditions, the complex orientation of such instruments can become indiscernible and hard-to-read. To avoid accidents associated with a lack of pilot visibility, integral lighting systems for the illumination of instruments and their placement along panels within the cockpit are essential alongside ceiling lighting, lighting display systems, darkening systems, and more. As lighting within general aviation aircraft is not as creative or widely implemented as compared to commercial aircraft, various alternative illumination methods can be put in place to improve visibility. These include forehead lights, cockpit ceiling lights, warning and indicator lights, console lighting, instrument lighting, and various other spotlights. Without such devices, a pilot is susceptible to accidents and potentially fatal errors.
One of the fastest growing items within the aviation market, LED lights provide more than just light for visibility. Further enhancing an aircraft's interior cabin design, LED lighting can also help mitigate the feelings of confinement often experienced by individuals aboard passenger aircraft. Such examples include reenacting a steady sunset or sunrise based on the current time zone, specialized mood lighting, and cabin animation lighting designs often seen in Boeing aircraft. This is achieved by projecting colors at varying brightness levels depending on the visual being presented.
When traveling from one destination to another aboard an aircraft, creating an experience that is pleasant for all passengers and crewmen is imperative. If you are looking to replace failing lights or have them upgraded to an improved model, look no further than Purchasing Sphere. We are your trusted source for various aircraft lighting parts, LED systems, their components, and more from leading aircraft manufacturers. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.
Share
