BreninTW From Taiwan, joined Jul 2006, 1453 posts, RR: 1 Posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2910 times:
I was spotting over the weekend when a TG A330-300 landed at TPE. On the side of the fuselage, just below the window line it appeared there were two lights fitted. The lights were shining out perpendicular to the fuselage.
Does the A330-300 have such lights and what is their purpose?
I'm tired of the A vs. B sniping. Neither make planes that shed wings randomly!
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16831 posts, RR: 57 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2890 times:
Were they just ahead of the leading edge? If so, it is to illuminate the leading edge of the wings.
e38 From United States of America, joined May 2008, 235 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2885 times:
Brendan
I cannot speak for the A-330 specifically, but many airliners have side facing lights on the fuselage forward of the wing that actually shine slightly aft and illuminate either the wing leading edge or the engine nacelles and intakes (for aircraft with wing mounted engines) or both. This can help flight crew members determine if there is any buildup of ice on the wings or engine nacelles during night operations. However, in the U.S. generally these lights are illuminated during all takeoffs and landings when below 10,000' MSL, and also when crossing runways during taxi operations, both day and night, to enhance the visibility of the aircraft. On the A319/A320 these lights are called "Wing lights."
On the DC-9 and MD-80/MD-90 aircraft, there are actually three side facing lights on each side of the fuselage--two forward of the wing and one aft of the wing. Starting from the front of the aircraft, the first light shines slightly aft and is used to illuminate the wing leading edge. It is called the "Wing Leading Edge Floodlight." The second light actually shines slightly forward and is called "Ground Floodlight" used to illuminate the ramp area near the forward cargo doors, and the aft light behind the wing is called the "Engine Nacelle Floodlight," and illuminates both the engine nacelle and the ramp area aft of the wing near the aft cargo door. On the DC9-50 aircraft, there is actually an additional light on the side of the fuselage (a fourth light) aft of the wing that is activated only when the emergency power is in use and will provide limited lighting for fifteen minutes during a ground evacuation using the overwing exits.
BreninTW From Taiwan, joined Jul 2006, 1453 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 2842 times:
Thanks for the answers folks...
I seem to recall that the lights where quite far forward (perhaps between the first two sets of doors). I was surprised because I haven't noticed them before on any of the A330's I've seen. I'm kicking myself for not getting my camera out in time.
These lights were on the right side of the aircraft (as you are looking at the nose).
It makes sense to have lights to inspect the wings, but my impression is that these would be a little too far forward. However, given how bright they were (and they were BRIGHT) they might be able to illuminate the entire wing from where they were.
I'm tired of the A vs. B sniping. Neither make planes that shed wings randomly!
They are the wing lights, one illuminates the engine intake, the other the leading edge. They are there to illuminate hose areas to check for ice accumulation, some airlines ales use them to be scene at night.
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Goldenshield From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 5446 posts, RR: 12 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 1586 times:
Quoting zeke (Reply 8): They are the wing lights, one illuminates the engine intake, the other the leading edge. They are there to illuminate hose areas to check for ice accumulation, some airlines ales use them to be scene at night.
Further, many countries, in an effort to improve safety, have implemented "see-and-be-seen" reccomendations while on the runway, and in the terminal (below 10,000 feet) environment, which means that any external lights that aircraft may have should be turned on to improve the aircraft's visibility.
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