Maintenance

Strobe System Quit? skySensor a Quick Fix

Troubleshoot first, but for an economical strobe install with ADS-B In as a bonus, we think the $750 uAvionix skySensor is a solid buy.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

Wingtip-mounted skySensor with integral LED strobe lights and green position light. It also has a wireless dual-band ADS-B In receiver for streaming traffic and weather data to a tablet.

There are still plenty of analog strobe light systems installed, some intermittent and others completely inoperative. While limited troubleshooting effort might be in order to determine if a fix is simple, we think you should use caution with old systems because the money might be better spent on either a drop-in replacement (we covered them in a roundup in the March 2024 Aviation Consumer) or a new install. For that, we think the uAvionix skySensor is a smart choice, and it’s one that doesn’t get enough consideration because many shops might not suggest it.

First, here’s a brief overview of what can go wrong with old systems with external power supplies.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.