polcat Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 As a -130 pilot, I've noticed some changes that have occured throughout C-130s around the world. One of the things I don't understand is why the position of the upper beacon/strobe was moved to the upper fuselage from the vert. stab? Anybody know why this is? In this position, it is harder to see this beacon/light. On the vert. stab it is much more visible. The funny thing is, certain herks in the USAF have it in on the stab and others have it on the upper fuse? Also, does anyone know the reason for having flashing navigation lights and their real function since we do have a beacon (should be used for running APU/GTC and engines as well as aircraft movement)? Does anyone have any other questions on why things are they way they are on ther herk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaprad Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 I think I heard many moons ago that the beacon was moved to the fusalage because too many people got hurt changing bulbs on toop of the stab. Not entirely sure that's the only reason. I've actually seen several aircraft that have both, I found that interesting. Also newer planes still have the mounts for one up there, though not sure if a wiring harness still goes up there. As for the flashers, I always thought that was a requirement. We mostly use them for ground runs, but I've seen crews use them in air. I always assumed that as some sort of FAA requirement or something. Be something to look up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobWoods Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 I recall the flash function on the nav lights was only used if the anti-collision light failed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polcat Posted October 11, 2009 Author Share Posted October 11, 2009 You'll then get a kick out of this. Our bottom beacon/strobe tested inop before we (aka the Os) showed up to the plane. I double checked with the FE if we really needed it per the MEL and of course we did. Also, the newer Js have a IR beacon on the top of the vert stab. Furthermore, Marine herks that I've seen have the strobe at the vert stab as well. But you're probably right, it was moved so someone doesn't have to go all the way to the top. PS I bet anything the wiring is still present in the vert stab... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spectre623 Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 When we went from rotating beacon atop the vert stab to the strobe on the backbone I was told it was to eleminate the need for a cherry picker to change the bulb or change out the assy which happened a lot. Also the strobe lasts a lot longer than the rotating beacon. The ladder that attaches to the side of the vert fin wasn't very user friendly for servicing the light on the fin....and who even had one? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaprad Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Last I heard that ladder for climbing the stab is illegal now, apparently too many people fell off. I've only seen one and that was at tech school nine years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NATOPS1 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 That freaking ladder was a joke almost killed myself on it!!! Its amazing some of the stupid SH$#%^&*(*t we used to do!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skip Davenport Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 That freaking ladder was a joke almost killed myself on it!!! Its amazing some of the stupid SH$#%^&*(*t we used to do!!! I climbed up on it once somewhere I can't remember but the wind was blowing like crazy -- damn almost as good as a roller coaster ride! But never been scared on a roller coaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEFEGeorge Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 From what I remember from many moons ago, the nav lights were on flash, on the ground, any time that the engines were running and/or the aircraft was moving. They were put to steady before takeoff, and the anti collision lights was turned on. In flight the flash position of the nav lights was used when anti collision light was inop. Was always a good "gotcha"/beer question - how many times a minute do the nav lights flash? :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaprad Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Depends SEFE, how fast can you flip a switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEFEGeorge Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Depends SEFE, how fast can you flip a switch. Hmmm, don't know, you'll have to ask the wife....................... :eek: Actually there are actual numbers for them and the B is different than that E on up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I would say 60 times a min. for the E-model and 45 times for the B-model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyclark Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 That freaking ladder was a joke almost killed myself on it!!! Its amazing some of the stupid SH$#%^&*(*t we used to do!!! This would be the same ladder that is supposed to be used to remove and replace the old VOR Antenna. It may not look like it from the ground, but the antenna is about 3'x4'x2'. I don't think it's humanly possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NATOPS1 Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Yea NO way you could do a VOR change!! I have changed two and all I remember is that they are a royal pain!!! Drill to fit too (I think....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaprad Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Yeah, I think I'll leave the VOR to the specialists. I'll go do something Crew Chiefy in the flight deck. Lemme know when you guys are done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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