Lions and Tigers and Flashlights--Oh My!

clayfenderstrat

clayfenderstrat

Well-Known Member
I am still a student pilot, but I will be doing my night flight training very soon, and am planning to pursue aviation as a profession. What kind of a flashlight do you guys recommend for the cockpit? I don't want to spend a fortune on one, but I want something that will last, and is a good quality product.

Thanks
 
For doing a preflight, I use an LED flashlight that I got from my dad's work and it is great for doing the exterior. In flight I use the basic ASA flashlight that comes with white, red, and green lenses that are interchangeable. The combination of the two works just fine for me and since both a pretty lightweight, my flight bag doesn't weigh a ton. When it comes to operating bigger aircraft, you need a bigger flashlight for the exterior, but you don't need a massive one when you are just starting out.
 
No need to get anything fancy at all. Keep in mind you will want to keep the cockpit as dim as possible so you can see outside. Ideally the aircraft's instrument lighting will be all you need to see the panel. If not attach a small colored LED light near it but make sure its not too bright as to distract you from outside. Use a cheap headlamp as well with a colored filter and only turn it on as need be, such as to read your checklist or map. No need to spend any more then $15 on any of this and be sure to buy spares and extra batteries. A million-candlelight Surefire that costs a hundred bucks is the last thing you need for this.

Just my opionion, best of luck.
 
I have a 4 cell maglite for preflight and I bought a flashlight that has a green and white sliding cover, when you pull it out it's white and when you push it in it's green, and also has a decently long lanyard so I can hang it around my neck.

It's nice to not have to go looking for it at night... when you can't see it ;)
 
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