This is some of the information available on the Duel Intensity FliteLites. You can go to FliteLites.com for additional information. You  may also call us at 860 354 8478 or email

us at jim@birdseyeviewllc.com, and we will be happy to answer your questions or help research answers for questions we may not know.

1. What is FLITELite? The military/industry term is lip light, mic (mike) or microphone light. Our packaging cover text - "Dual Intensity Pilots Light" should be expanded to:

"FLITELite is an LED Flashlight that snaps on to your headset microphone"

GEN II
FLITELite GEN II - The Dual Sensor, NVIS Compatible. FLITELite is the LED flashlight that snaps on to your headset microphone. Improved dual sensor controls and sealed system give the pilot ultimate control and reliability. Lighter, brighter, and fully controllable through a range of brightness. 60 minute auto-off, brightness setting memory recall, 30% smaller than the original FLITELite GEN I. Compatible with the original, patented custom FLITELite adapter system. Each adapter is specific to your headset, and snaps on for the perfect fit.


GEN One
FLITELite is the LED flashlight that snaps on to your headset microphone.  More than just a flashlight, it is a highly efficient lighting system with advanced microcomputer technology.  Comprised of three main components; a three LED light unit with an infrared proximity switch controlled with the touch of your lip, a specific adapter for your aviation headset, and AAA battery pack good for 200 + hours of use.  FLITELite™ takes only seconds to install.

2. Why do we need FLITELite in their cockpit?

"Have you ever fumbled around or lost a flashlight? Have you ever flown an aircraft with poor lighting, or had an electrical failure" These are the situations that inspired FLITELite initially, to make our own night flying safer and more enjoyable.  Using a FlitLite means: 

BENEFITS

No exotic batteries to buy.  Our unit uses AAA batteries, which last for over 200 hours.

Microchip controlled – GEN II has a 60 minute auto-off, dual sensors, a full range of brightness, and brightness setting memory. GEN One has a 1 Minute auto-off, Auto-off in bright light. GEN II uses either soft white LED's, NVIS Compatible light, Red, Blue or Green LED's. GEN One uses soft white LED’s that will not interfere with night vision. The full spectrum light and low reflection reduces the amount of light needed.  Under red light, magenta symbols disappear on charts, and during electrical failures, red markings on instruments and gauges are unreadable.  Blue and Green light makes blue chart marking and 100LL fuel leaks invisible.  Since FLITELite™ uses a full spectrum soft white light, you do not experience these potentially dangerous side affects. Made in the USA.

FLITELite is more than just a lip light. FLITELite is a lighting system that consisits of:

• GEN II FLITELite unit, computer controlled, dual sensor pilot light or a GEN One Dual Intensity pilot light.
• Headset or Helmet Adapter (new adapters are free)
• AAA Battery Pack
• Optional Coin Cell Pack
• Attachment accessories
• AAA Batteries
• Warranty

All FLITELite products are controlled by a microprocessor. Learn more about GEN II and GEN One. The adapter system means that your FLITELite has the perfect fit for your specific headset. The New GEN II FLITELite is constructed using DuPont Pyralux Circuit Board material - the same material that is used in the Mars lunar landers. Sealed with a dielectric epoxy, and is 30% smaller, and more efficient than GEN One. The new version was developed to meet MIL-STD-3009, for Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) aircrew auxiliary and utility lighting. This light is also perfect for the General Aviation Cockpit. FLITELite is perfect for normal and emergency use. During normal operations FLITELite is great for reading charts and approach plates. FLITELite fills in dark spots, improves gauge visibility, and brightens up areas without light such as fuel selectors, etc...During emergency operations, FLITELite makes the electrical failure much less of an event. FLITELite has already logged several saves after electrical failures.

FLITELite Light Color, Intensity & Night Vision:

Pilots have a choice of FLITELite colors - NVIS White, Soft White that is NVIS friendly, Green, Red and Blue. The best light choice is NVIS White, followed by soft white, for a light that will protect your central night vision and provide full spectrum light. Green and Blue will protect central night vision as well, but blues and greens will disappear with this color of light - something for a pilot to consider prior to use. Red is also available, which will protect peripheral night vision, but not central vision as well as the soft white, blue and green. Red's on charts will also not be visible with red light, another consideration for the pilot to consider when making a color choice.

The eyes are comprised of Rods and Cones. We hear people talk about Rods being for night vision, and Cones for day vision, and while they both have their special attributes, it would be better to classify them in the aviation environment at Peripheral (Rods) and Central (Cones) vision. Both rods and cones have a day and night mode, and they both react to light at different rates, and to have sensitivity to different light frequencies. Rods surround the periphery of the eye and are used for peripheral vision, and night vision. They do not see color, and do not detect motion. Rods only provide non-color vision at an acuity of 20/200. Rods are most susceptible to blue light. You never read, or scan your instruments with your Rods - or your peripheral vision - think about it. You are reading this article with your central vision - your cones. Cones are used for color, central vision, with visual acuity of 20/20. The cones have a focal width of approximately 20 to 30 degrees. Cones are most susceptible to red light. Cones are used when you read, day or night. During the day we read with our cones - during the night we need a light to read - obvious, but it shatters the red light myth in the aviation cockpit.

So the question is what is the best light that will provide your eyes, and brain with the best light for reading? The answer is a dim white light. Look inside any of the new jets, and you will find that the lighting is white. Military cockpits specify NVIS. NVIS White appears to have a green tint, but it is a full spectrum light.

FLITELite is set to a 25 degree field of view to maximize the physiology of the pilots eye. But to preserve night vision the intensity of the light is what matters. By using a full spectrum white light, the full spectrum light and low reflection reduces the amount of light needed. The 25 degree field is critical to keep the light out of our peripheral vision so we can look for traffic, and gauge height when we are making that perfect night landing.

Under red light, magenta symbols disappear on charts, and during electrical failures, red markings on instruments and gauges are unreadable. Blue light will make Blue 100LL fuel disappear.