The International Cessna 170 Association

My Grimes rotating beacon is just barely clinging to life. If I replace the Grimes with a modern equivalent like a Whelen 70509 will I lose my grandfathering under 91.205 (c)(3)? I had been planning to install wingtip strobes next winter as part of a pre-ADS-B electrical system cleanup / re-wire. It looks like I might have to step the schedule up a bit.

No. The Whelen unit meets the requirements of 23.1401 AND 25.1401.

http://www.whelen.com/install/132/13215.pdf

I just sent my rotating beacon out to Avlite Aviation in Paso Robles,CA. They can usually rebuild or repair these units. Tom Leatherwood is who I talked to. I haven't gotten my esimate yet. I will let you know how my experience turns out. I know it will be pretty pricey, but I love my rotating beacon, and I can't give it up for something more modern.
avlite@tcsn.net

I had a Grimes rotating beacon on my Cherokee. I loved that thing and did everything to keep it working. I could always tell if I'd left the master switch on after shutdown because I could hear the electric motor rumbling and resonating through the airframe!

I love the look and sound of the coffee grinder and I would like to keep mine running. Unfortunately it seems like it might not be possible to repair the Grimes for less than the cost of a new halogen flasher. Then if I'm going the replacement route I start thinking I might as well go LED. A little more expensive but brighter, lasts forever, and hardly draws any power.

Got my beacon reinstalled today. It is a Grimes G-7740, and I had Tom Leatherwood at Avlite aviation in Paso Robles, CA repair the unit. He diagnosed my problem as a couple of worn brushes in the motor. He repaired, cleaned, and shipped it back for $180.00. It functions perfectly now, and it seems much quieter than before. I am very happy with the service and would do business with them again. So if there are any more rotating beacon holdouts out there that need service, get ahold of Avlite before you opt for the strobe option. I love the old beacon and I'm glad there is a resource to keep it turning

I would like to find one. Mine is long gone. Im installing a whelen 90520 where the previous Whelen unit was.
Im glad you were able to get some more life out of yours.

Avlite Aviation
Address: 3150 Propeller Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: (805) 239-4037

http://www.avliteaviation.com/