There have been numerous posts attesting/speculating that the 3-blade prop has/will cut vibration and ensure a longer avionics life. Since landing light service-life could be the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” indicator for this issue, I’m wondering whether 3-blade owners have, in fact, had longer-lived lamps than 2-blade owners.
I’m about to spec out my plane and was leaning to the two-blade for weight savings…now I wonder if I’m being “pound-wise and dollar-foolish”??
Owner comments would be much appreciated.
–Michael
PS: Any promises heard about MOVING the light down on the SR-20?
There have been numerous posts attesting/speculating that the 3-blade prop has/will cut vibration and ensure a longer avionics life. Since landing light service-life could be the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” indicator for this issue, I’m wondering whether 3-blade owners have, in fact, had longer-lived lamps than 2-blade owners.
I’m about to spec out my plane and was leaning to the two-blade for weight savings…now I wonder if I’m being “pound-wise and dollar-foolish”??
Owner comments would be much appreciated.
–Michael
PS: Any promises heard about MOVING the light down on the SR-20?
I think the added weight from the prop will hurt you on resale considering we are already cut to the bone due to payload evaporation. One reason my Archer holds its value so well is the 680 lb payload. Also, you will probably sell the plane long before any perceived vibration affects your avionics, even though all of us think right now that we’ll keep our Cirrus forever. You’ll probably trade for a SR30 Turbo in a few years. But I will admit the coolness factor is almost irresistible in the three blade.
N144CD (3 blade spinner) had the landinglight go dark after appr 145 Hoobs hours.
I’d think life time is also determined by “switch on time”, as the bulb is more fragile when on…? Anybody keeping stats??
HK
There have been numerous posts attesting/speculating that the 3-blade prop has/will cut vibration and ensure a longer avionics life. Since landing light service-life could be the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” indicator for this issue, I’m wondering whether 3-blade owners have, in fact, had longer-lived lamps than 2-blade owners.
I’m about to spec out my plane and was leaning to the two-blade for weight savings…now I wonder if I’m being “pound-wise and dollar-foolish”??
Owner comments would be much appreciated.
–Michael
PS: Any promises heard about MOVING the light down on the SR-20?
There have been numerous posts attesting/speculating that the 3-blade prop has/will cut vibration and ensure a longer avionics life. Since landing light service-life could be the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” indicator for this issue, I’m wondering whether 3-blade owners have, in fact, had longer-lived lamps than 2-blade owners.
I’m about to spec out my plane and was leaning to the two-blade for weight savings…now I wonder if I’m being “pound-wise and dollar-foolish”??
Owner comments would be much appreciated.
–Michael
PS: Any promises heard about MOVING the light down on the SR-20?
I have a 2 blade and on my 4th bulb. Have less than 50 hours total time on the plane and far less time on each bulb. Cirrus told me that they are trying to find a better bulb.
While I was at the factory they showed me a new cowling with both landing and taxi lights. Don’t know cost or when it will be ready.
There have been numerous posts attesting/speculating that the 3-blade prop has/will cut vibration and ensure a longer avionics life. Since landing light service-life could be the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” indicator for this issue, I’m wondering whether 3-blade owners have, in fact, had longer-lived lamps than 2-blade owners.
I’m about to spec out my plane and was leaning to the two-blade for weight savings…now I wonder if I’m being “pound-wise and dollar-foolish”??
I have a three-blade, and wouldn’t change, but I am on my third landing light. The first wasn’t working when I did my acceptance inspection at the factory, the second failed shortly after I returned home. The third has been OK so far, so don’t know if the number of blades has any effect.
Owner comments would be much appreciated.
–Michael
PS: Any promises heard about MOVING the light down on the SR-20?
I think the added weight from the prop will hurt you on resale considering we are already cut to the bone due to payload evaporation. One reason my Archer holds its value so well is the 680 lb payload. Also, you will probably sell the plane long before any perceived vibration affects your avionics, even though all of us think right now that we’ll keep our Cirrus forever. You’ll probably trade for a SR30 Turbo in a few years. But I will admit the coolness factor is almost irresistible in the three blade.
I have a three-blade, and wouldn’t change, but I am on my third landing light. The first wasn’t working when I did my acceptance inspection at the factory, the second failed shortly after I returned home. The third has been OK so far, so don’t know if the number of blades has any effect.
Doug,
How many hours did landing light #2 last? How many so far on #3?
Thanks,
Mike.
I have a three-blade, and wouldn’t change, but I am on my third landing light. The first wasn’t working when I did my acceptance inspection at the factory, the second failed shortly after I returned home. The third has been OK so far, so don’t know if the number of blades has any effect.
Doug,
How many hours did landing light #2 last? How many so far on #3?
Thanks,
#2 lasted about 20 hours (Hobbs time), little to no lamp time. #3 is going on 40 hours and OK so far.
Mike.
I have about 70 hours on N173CD and the landing light is still going. Two blades work fine for me.
I have a three-blade, and wouldn’t change, but I am on my third landing light. The first wasn’t working when I did my acceptance inspection at the factory, the second failed shortly after I returned home. The third has been OK so far, so don’t know if the number of blades has any effect.
Doug,
How many hours did landing light #2 last? How many so far on #3?
Thanks,
Mike.
3 blade prop with factory landing light. Plane has 80 hours.I think we are over thinking this one guys!
I have a three blade with over 60 hours and factory landing light.
I have about 70 hours on N173CD and the landing light is still going. Two blades work fine for me.
I have a three-blade, and wouldn’t change, but I am on my third landing light. The first wasn’t working when I did my acceptance inspection at the factory, the second failed shortly after I returned home. The third has been OK so far, so don’t know if the number of blades has any effect.
Doug,
How many hours did landing light #2 last? How many so far on #3?
Thanks,
Mike.
3 blade prop with factory landing light. Plane has 80 hours.I think we are over thinking this one guys!
N144CD (3 blade spinner) had the landinglight go dark after appr 145 Hoobs hours.
I’d think life time is also determined by “switch on time”, as the bulb is more fragile when on…? Anybody keeping stats??
HK
Certainly no expert here, but the bulb is probably LESS fragile when on.
Explanation: When the filament is hot (read on), it tends to stretch. When it is cold (read off) it is brittle hence more fragile.
Anyone else?
N144CD (3 blade spinner) had the landinglight go dark after appr 145 Hoobs hours.
I’d think life time is also determined by “switch on time”, as the bulb is more fragile when on…? Anybody keeping stats??
HK
Certainly no expert here, but the bulb is probably LESS fragile when on.
Explanation: When the filament is hot (read on), it tends to stretch. When it is cold (read off) it is brittle hence more fragile.
Anyone else?
I agree!!! When on the filament is flexable.
When off it is ridged and brittle.
Note. I am sure glad that we don’t have anything else to complain… Stop and think, we have the whole airplane to grip about and can only think of the life of a bulb. Must be a great aiplane. 
Have a great Cirrus day
Woor
Explanation: When the filament is hot (read on), it tends to stretch. When it is cold (read off) it is brittle hence more fragile.
Anyone else?
I searched for info on this on the Web; haven’t found any so far, but did find a landing light that claims to have a dramatically improved life.
http://www.amglo.com/MachineVision/hidmetal_hallide_lamps.htm
Anyone know whether we’d be allowed to use a different landing light? - M.
Certainly no expert here, but the bulb is probably LESS fragile when on.
Explanation: When the filament is hot (read on), it tends to stretch. When it is cold (read off) it is brittle hence more fragile.
Anyone else?
In my occupation I work with “Quartz iodine” or “Halogen” lamps and whilst not subjected to the same vibration as in aircraft use, my experience is that the bulbs are always more fragile when ON or hot (ie: just after switching off).
The filaments are under a lot of stress when heated to “white hot” (not really “white” but it looks that way) and are easily broken by excess mechanical shock. When cold, they tend to be able to take a lot of bumping around.
Certainly, all bulbs are not created equal - the engineering design of the filament and its mounts are crucial to bulb life, too.
Rob (#731)
Note. I am sure glad that we don’t have anything else to complain… Stop and think, we have the whole airplane to grip about and can only think of the life of a bulb. Must be a great aiplane.
Hmmm… if we had MORE light bulbs, the airplane would, naturally, be lighter, right?
Lighter 'plane = Better Useful Load.
What a Bright idea!
(OK, OK… I know… just couldn’t resist). -M.