Aircraft Lighting International (ALI) has obtained U.S. FAA parts manufacturing approval (PMA) for its 8 mm LED direct replacement lighting package for Dassault Falcon 2000s, 900s and 50s. The PMA enables operators to replace existing fluorescent bulbs without obtaining certification for installation.

ALI worked closely with Dassault on the lighting package, which can extend the lifecycle of the lights by as much as 10 times. The lighting system has been installed in more than 20 Falcons so far, and general manager Shervin Rezaie said he has received a number of inquiries from customers awaiting the PMA.

The system is “plug and play,” so it can directly replace existing lamps with little to no change to the aircraft, Rezaie said. This enables aircraft owners to retain existing lamp holders, diffusers and dimming controls without rewiring. The LED lights are self-ballasted, meaning they bypass the aircraft’s AL-2004 ballasts and operate directly off of 28-volt DC ship power, ALI said.

The lights, which come with a three-year warranty, produce almost no heat, use less energy than the originals and are shatter proof, according to ALI. Rezaie estimated the LED lights have a 20,000-hour life span; a typical fluorescent has a life span of 2,000 hours.

With the latest approval, ALI, which is approaching its 20-year anniversary, now has PMAs for LED and fluorescent lights on 72 different aircraft models. These include primarily business and general aviation aircraft, as well as regional aircraft. But with the growth of the LED market, Rezaie said that number is on pace to expand to as many as 90 aircraft by the end of the year.

“We are at the tipping point where everyone is going LED,” he said, noting most new aircraft are now coming out with LED lights or the option for LED. He sees this shift continuing over the next decade until the majority of aircraft have LEDs.

The Falcon package enabled ALI to build on its relationship with Dassault, he said, noting the majority of the installations to date have been accomplished at Dassault service facilities.

The program can also open the door to future collaborations, Rezaie added, noting airframers are now approaching the company for solutions. ALI primarily supports aircraft in the aftermarket, but it does have a few unannounced forward-fit applications in the works, he said.

ALI will have its LED system on display at EBACE 2017 at its booth (R109).