Optimizing Aircraft Lighting: Calculating Total Cost of Ownership Supports Informed Decisions
Keeping a close watch on expenses is vital to maximizing the efficiency and profitability of any business. When it comes to aircraft lighting, those responsible for purchasing lamps that keep an aircraft running in peak condition will, of course, always factor cost into their decisions. However, beyond the initial price of any aircraft lamp, it is also important to evaluate a product's total cost of ownership (TCO). While initial purchase costs do matter, there are other considerations that come into play, such as ongoing maintenance, repair and replacement, in addition to the lost revenue from a plane's downtime due to lighting replacement. Over an aircraft's lifespan, these expenses can contribute significantly to TCO. Having a clear understanding of TCO empowers the ability to make informed decisions, plan effectively and optimize the company's investments over the long term.
Analyzing TCO assists buyers in deciding which lighting systems offer the best balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. Choosing the appropriate type of lamp can reduce airfield maintenance costs and ensure maximum return on the investment. When doing due diligence on various products, it is easy to discern that some lighting systems require more upkeep than others. Lamps that fail more frequently can run up unexpected expenses (even if offered at discount prices), it makes economic sense to look for lamps that deliver the most in terms of performance and longevity.
Four lamps are commonly used for external aircraft lighting—for varied reasons. Here is what to consider when evaluating which lamp is best for your operation:
Incandescent lamps are used for landing, taxi and identification lighting. They require no external regulating equipment, have low manufacturing costs and work equally well on alternating or direct currents. Today, incandescent lamps are rarely used in commercial fleets because they don’t offer the longevity that halogen or LED lights provide and won’t maintain optimum candela or light output as well as the other types. While the lower cost of these lamps is attractive, incandescent lamps may have higher failure rates and require more frequent replacement, leading to potential downtime for maintenance.
Halogen lamps can be used for the whole gambit of an aircraft's lighting needs, including landing, taxi, taillights and logo lights. These lamps consist of a tungsten filament sealed into a compact, transparent envelope filled with a mixture of an inert gas and a small amount of a halogen, such as iodine or bromine. They are currently the most widely used lamps for commercial aircraft, as well as for business and general aviation, because halogen lamps can deliver more than 100 hours of lamp life, which reduces operating costs overall. Another advantage is they have won all necessary regulatory approvals and are readily available from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts catalogs.
Xenon flashlamps are used primarily for wing tips, other identification lighting and strobes or flashing lights on aircraft wing tips and tails. They produce light by passing electricity though ionized xenon gas at high pressure and are used on both older and newer types of aircraft. The life of the xenon lamp depends on the number of flashes emitted. Their costs are in the range of halogen lamps. However, not all xenon flashlamps are manufactured the same. Be sure to check the controls involved in the lamp manufacturing process to ensure they are produced in cleanroom-like environments with no exposure to moisture and foreign elements.
LED lamps are light-emitting diodes, a semiconductor light source that emits light when an electric current passes through them. Leading aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus, are building these types of lamps into their new designs for all external aircraft lighting. LED lamps may or may not fit into the lighting fixtures and housings of older aircraft; for this reason, it's not likely many operators will retrofit their existing fleets with LED lighting anytime soon. However, LEDs have many advantages, including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime and smaller size. Because of this, they will be a big part of the future when assessing TOC.
The three most important features for aircraft lighting outside of cost are significantly longer lamp life, durability and safety. The durability of the lamp you choose factors into the longevity of the lamp because replacing lights can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. As for safety, the importance of choosing the appropriate type of lamp can’t be underestimated. The right lamp not only contributes to reducing aircraft maintenance costs and ensuring the maximum return on investment for airlines, but more importantly, emitting the right lighting can ensure the safety of pilots, crews, passengers and those working on the airfield, such as fuelers and others driving on and around taxiways.
Selecting high-quality aircraft lighting is a significant investment that requires a thoughtful cost-benefit analysis. Here are four considerations to help you determine the TOC of your choice:
1. Evaluate existing lamps: Determine the type and number of lamps currently used by the aircraft. Be sure to make note of their specifications, including wattage, lifespan and maintenance requirements.
2. Quantify the benefits: Make a list that specifies the benefits from the lamp. This may include energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, longer life, improved lighting quality and reduction in lamp weight.
3. Estimate the savings: Multiply the power consumption of the lamp by the anticipated number of flight hours and then do the same for the aircraft’s current lamps to make a comparison. You can also calculate the reduction in maintenance costs by comparing the lifespan of the chosen lamp to that of your existing solution.
4. Evaluate other factors: Consider additional factors that may influence the decision, such as impending changes to industry regulations and standards.
As with anything that involves investing time and money, research your options, which is even more important when safety is involved. This is where choosing a reputable manufacturer that provides high-quality, reliable aircraft lighting solutions is important. The first quality you want to look for is if they keep pace with industry standards, which indicates the company’s commitment to quality and safety. While cost efficiency is always a consideration, quality and reliability are just as important. Look for a manufacturer equipped to perform rigorous quality assurance tests, ideally in their own facility.
Selecting the right lamps can allow budget-conscious airports to prioritize safety while also reducing operating costs. Understanding the TOC of the appropriate type of lamp for the situation will bring the desired operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and ensure the maximum return on your investment.
John Fogel, Product Manager at Amglo, has worked with the company for more than 15 years in product development. He can be contacted at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.amglo.com.
