I don't know about you, but I'm not very happy with the flashlights available to pilots. Night flying is really fun, but the options for both pre-flight inspection and in-flight use leave me wanting more.
Topping the list is the GI-issued 90-degree D-cell flashlight with interchangeable red and blue filters. However, these are a bit heavier, require a strap to clip on, and changing the filters is a bit more of a pain. Heavy metal Maglite, which was all the rage a few years ago, is very bright, very powerful, and perfect for not only lighting but also self-defense. However, like many other Maglites, the Maglite requires you to operate the checklist, baggage door, and flight controls with one hand while holding the Maglite with the other.
And there are countless LED lights available. Most people have the same problem. Despite being lighter than the Maglite, the pilot can operate it with one hand. The only solution that can solve these problems is the Cyclops Light. As you know, it's an LED that is fixed to your forehead. While they are effective, they are not comfortable and do not make a style statement.
Then one day, while cruising the local hardware store (my favorite errand!), I found a great little product. For the princely sum of about $20, I got an LED work light to wear around my neck. This nifty little product features a flexible neck strap that connects two LED mini lights, each powered by AA batteries. Each light has both low and high brightness settings, and each can be positioned independently up or down approximately 45 degrees. These seem to be manufactured by one or two companies and branded in a variety of colors like many popular tool brands.
I wanted to try out some new lights so I went on a night flight. Lo and behold, before the flight, he had two lights illuminating the plane, freeing his hands to hold his checklist and open the necessary panels and doors. However, when I jumped into the plane, the white light was too bright and affected my night vision. So what was I supposed to do?
A trip to the local auto parts store (my second favorite errand!) and I picked up a roll of translucent tail light tape for about $5. This self-adhesive red tape is intended for tail light repair, and the adhesive is designed to withstand harsh environments such as heat, cold, snow, and rain on the back of your vehicle. Using scissors he cuts some 3/4 inch red squares and tapes them to one of his lenses and the night vision problem is solved. I use white and red lights before the flight and red lights on the plane.
The two-level light setting is very convenient, and the red tape dramatically softens the light inside the car. When flying at night, you can now simply wear the light around your neck and it's ready to use. The light is comfortable and easy to use. Total cost: $25. Better light, hands-free and maintaining night vision. Priceless!