Hi.
Can anyone explain details about a dozen diffuse red light flush dots row on top of wings ahead of the ailerons, flashing at night time ? About 8cm diametre as in image below. Saw them all night trip yesterday, never before.

 

Is this on a Commercial-Airliner ?
What type of Plane ?
.
.
.

 

Embraer - American Eagle Airlines.

 

Better image :

 

I'm not certain about this, but it is the case that aircraft have a steady red light on one wingtip (left) and a steady green light on the opposite wingtip (right) to improve visibility at night, and to be able to tell if an aircraft is approaching your position or moving away from it. Having a row of lights on the top surface of the wing would also improve the visibility from a position aft of the aircraft.

 

Were there corresponding green lights on the right wing?

 

Were there corresponding green lights on the right wing?

The photos from the TS are confusing. The original one from inside is looking at the wing on the port(left) side of the aircraft. The picture in post #3 highlights the wing on the starboard(right) side of the aircraft.

 

The photos from the TS are confusing. The original one from inside is looking at the wing on the port(left) side of the aircraft. The picture in post #3 highlights the wing on the starboard(right) side of the aircraft.

They are not confusing once you realize the second photo is trying to show where in the plane the first image was highlighting. Then read the text and you'll understand that the lights are on the top surface of the wing.

 

The lights look like they are too near the trailing edge to be seen by approaching aircraft (the airfoil will obstruct the lights).

 

hi Ext,
Is it possible that it is the glow from the de-icer's, being so close to the ailerons.?

E

 

hi Ext,
Is it possible that it is the glow from the de-icer's, being so close to the ailerons.?

E

De-icing is normally done by an inflatable boot on the leading edge of the wing.

 

Hi papa,
I am aware of the boot method, maybe it is possible they are trying out a new idea.?
E

 

Maybe tagging @MikeML but long time I do not read any of his posts.

 

Hi papa,
I am aware of the boot method, maybe it is possible they are trying out a new idea.?
E

The reason for targeting the leading edge is because of the stagnation point there where it is easy for the ice to get a foothold and build from there. Ice buildup has a substantial effect on destroying lift and increasing the form drag as it changes the shape of the leading edge. This is especially true if the flow becomes turbulent just past the leading edge.

 

Were there corresponding green lights on the right wing?

Yes, all other lights and strobes normal as always seen :

L wingtip ooooooooo ooo =================== Main fuselage =================== ooo ooooooooo wingtip R

All images above borrowed from the web. Video I took at night time flight shows nothing discernible.

 

Perhaps the additional lighting is an enhanced anti-collision measure?

 

...it is possible they are trying out a new idea.?

About new ideas... See the bulge on top of rear section ? That is internet access with WiFi for the passengers No more screens in the headrests, You use your own device for movies, entertainment... No peanuts either
Hope will never allow telephony !

And... No masks anywhere in the airport nor attendant nor passengers . If I have to guess, credit card for number 1 or number 2 is coming...

 

Maybe tagging @MikeML but long time I do not read any of his posts.

I'm surprised nsaspook hasn't chimed in, he's the usual suspect in all things commercial aircraft.

The lights look like they are too near the trailing edge to be seen by approaching aircraft (the airfoil will obstruct the lights).

I'm going for UFO repellent lights, bet that plane hasn't been bothered by them since the lights were installed.

 

Maybe tagging @MikeML but long time I do not read any of his posts.

Yeah, I have wondered where he went? Hope he is doing well.

Ron