FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 21003: Issues Related to the Use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Landing Lights in an Icing Environment.
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO serves to inform operators of aircraft equipped with LED landing lights that LED landing light icing can occur more frequently than incandescent landing light icing, resulting in reduced light output and pilot visibility.
Why It Matters
Operational experience has revealed that LED retractable landing lights are susceptible to icing during the landing phase of flight causing the landing lights to be ineffective. This issue has been reported in Boeing airplane models MD88/90, B717 and Airbus airplane models A319/320/321.
Recommended Action
In consideration of safety management system principles, operators of aircraft equipped with LED landing lights should consider adapting procedures during operations in icing conditions to mitigate the effects of reduced LED landing light output.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
Distributed by: Air Transportation Division
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info A InFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. Besides the specific action recommended in a InFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the InFO. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
Subject: Issues Related to the Use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Landing Lights in an Icing Environment.
Purpose: This InFO serves to inform operators of aircraft equipped with LED landing lights that LED landing light icing can occur more frequently than incandescent landing light icing, resulting in reduced light output and pilot visibility.
Background: Operational experience has revealed that LED retractable landing lights are susceptible to icing during the landing phase of flight causing the landing lights to be ineffective. This issue has been reported in Boeing airplane models MD88/90, B717 and Airbus airplane models A319/320/321.
Discussion: Icing can reduce light output of LED landing lights by approximately one-third. Engineering tests have determined that it takes about 20 minutes for LED landing lights to warm up enough to start melting ice. The LED landing lights tested showed a slow initial temperature increase followed by a relatively linear increase to get above the freezing point in the center of the lens.
Recommended Action: In consideration of safety management system principles, operators of aircraft equipped with LED landing lights should consider adapting procedures during operations in icing conditions to mitigate the effects of reduced LED landing light output.
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Transportation Division at (202) 267-8166.
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
InFO 21003
DATE: 03/29/21
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 21003