FAQ

Aviation LEDs

What makes PWI aviation LED lighting products superior to other options?

PWI LED lights are backed by FAA PMA and STC Certifications. Additionally, we are an approved Part 145 Repair Station. Each product utilizes superior components to make high-quality, reliable LED lighting.

PWI has a more than 50-year history of supplying OEM lights for Gulfstream, Falcon, Challenger, Citation, King Air, Sabreliner, and Learjet jets.

 

What are the benefits of upgrading to PWI LEDs?

  • PWI LEDs offer up to 100,000 hours of operation
  • Plug-and-play installation
  • Passed rigorous FAA certification testing
  • LEDs are actually less expensive than incandescent bulbs, over the life of your aircraft
  • Custom lighting system designs are available

 

What are Lumens?

Lumen is a measure of light brightness. A higher lumens number means brighter light. Often business jet lighting is indirect, so there are no worries about lights being “too bright” in the cabin. Special Missions aircraft such as air-med transport are often fitted with custom-designed and brighter LEDs for patient safety reasons.

 

What is color temperature?

Color temperature is the color of light produced. White light is measured in Kelvin (K) in a range usually between 1800K and 7000K. The color temperature number specifies a “warm white” with a hint of yellow or “cool white” which has just a bit of blue. Color temperature choices allow aircraft owners to design the exact cabin experience preferred.

Can I purchase your aviation lights prior to FAA certification?

Yes, some of our pre-certified aircraft lights are available for installation using an FAA Form 337 – “Field Approval,” where required. Typically an FAA inspection (often performed by a DER) is required to verify “fit, form, and function” to complete the form.

 

Can I still get fluorescent lights or overhauled power supplies?

Yes, you can.
However, nearly half of our 1800 part numbers for fluorescent lights cannot be created due to parts availability issues.

We build brand-new fluorescent lights every day. We create new lights and overhaul power supplies for those jets we supplied as an OEM vendor:
Falcon
Gulfstream
Citation
Challenger
King Air
Lear
Sabreliner

Factory-overhauled PWI fluorescent light power supplies come with a one-year factory warranty. Refer to the part number, printed on the unit, to order.

Ordering Factory-overhauled Fluorescent Power Supplies

Contact Cynthia at Cynthia@pwi-e.com or call +1 316-942-2811 to begin the order process.

Call before 3 p.m. CST (+5 hours GMT spring & summer; +6 hours GMT fall & winter), and PWI will ground ship (free in USA) a completely overhauled power supply the same day.

PWI is offering a $200 refund on your non-functioning power supply. Ship your non-functioning unit to PWI within 30 days of the overhauled power supply order, to receive the refund. The refund is completely optional – not required.

FAA form 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificate is included. An Airworthiness Approval tag is available if needed.

There is more information on our overhauled fluorescent light power supply page.

Coil Windings

 

Can PWI build my specific coil winding?

PWI began building windings in 1963. It’s what started our business. We have experience creating a broad range of windings, usually used as a subassembly in a finished product. Call us at +1 316-942-2811 to discuss your specific winding project.

Project examples include:

  • High Voltage Output Transformers
  • Switch Mode Transformers
  • Current Sense Transformers
  • EMI/RFI Filters
  • Toroidal Power Inductors
  • Common Mode Chokes
  • Magnetometer Coils
  • Air Coils
  • Solenoid Coils
  • Antenna Load Coils

See our coil winding page for more information.

Magnetometers

 

Can PWI build my custom magnetometer – even one of those hard-to-find flux gate magnetometers?

Yes, we build magnetometers using various wire gauges, core materials, and winding techniques to suit your specific needs. Call us to explore your magnetometer options.

There are only a few companies in the world that create fluxgate magnetometers, and PWI is one of them. The engineering possibilities offered by these mags are unique and create options in product design that cannot be accomplished using other technologies.

See the magnetometer page for more information.

Warranties and Repairs Questions

 

What is the warranty on my product?

All product warranties begin at the invoice date.
LED aircraft lights – 3 years
Fluorescent lights, magnetometers, coils, windings – 1 year
Overhauled Fluorescent power supply – 1 year

Contract Engineering and Manufacturing

 

What does Contract Engineering mean to me?

Contract engineering is a comprehensive range of scalable, value-added electronic engineering services. PWI’s extensive contract engineering services meet the needs of a variety of customers. PWI tailors our work to complete your project. 

Often this work is outlined in our initial Statement of Work (SOW) proposal that clearly spells out the work details, the desired features and the estimated costs of the project.

PWI can provide as much engineering assistance for your product idea and requirements, as needed. Our services include anything from concept design development and prototyping, to in-house electronic testing and more. PWI manufacturing personnel can also help build the completed product design (see below).

See the contract engineering page for more information.

 

What is contract manufacturing?

Contract manufacturing is an agreement between PWI and our customer to produce components and/or finished products. We have customers that have completely engineered and tested prototypes, but need assistance in building quantity production. If you need help in building your products or components, whether PWI has completed the engineering or not, PWI has the capabilities.

PWI has completed custom projects for a variety of industries outside of aviation. If we can assist you with any specific projects, just call or email. We are happy to discuss your project.

See the contract manufacturing page for more information.

Purchasing Questions
How can I purchase PWI products?

Aircraft Lighting
You can buy direct from PWI, or direct your favorite MRO to give us a call. You will most likely need an A&P at the MRO to perform the lighting installation and handle the paperwork. PWI has Authorized Distributors and Authorized Installation Center partners internationally. Our partners are listed on the “Where to Buy” menu on our website.

 

Windings/Coils/Engineering/Production
These projects usually begin with a call or meeting to discuss the project in detail. PWI usually prepares a SOW to outline the work to be performed along with an estimate of the time required to complete the project. Payment terms for these projects are outlined in the SOW as well.

 

What is PWI’s return policy?

All warranty returns must be approved by PWI in advance of shipment back to PWI. Shipments to PWI should have the RMA number on the shipping box.
Warranty claims will be reviewed via phone or email.
All customers must inspect all products upon receipt. Any product returned for defects upon arrival must be returned within 30 days of the invoice for warranty consideration.
There are no returns for products, outside of warranty issues.