Section 7
Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG) Description of the Airplane and Systems
Initial Issue of Manual: December 9, 2005 RC050005
Latest Revision Level/Date: C/10-10-2006 7-43
AIRPLANE INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM
The interior lighting system is one of the more sophisticated systems available for single-engine,
general aviation airplanes. A good understanding of the following discussion is important to
properly use all the features of the interior lighting system. The salient features of this system are
summarized in Figure 7-19, on page 7-44.
Flip and Access Lights – The flip lights are rectangular shaped fixtures located in the middle of the
overhead panel and in the baggage compartment. The lights bypass the system master switch and
operate without turning on power to the system. Rotating or flipping the lens right or left turns on
the two flip lights. In the center position, they are used as part of the airplane’s access lighting
system.
When either entrance door is unlatched, a switch in the door latching mechanism activates the two
flip lights and two lights that illuminate each entrance step. The access lights are on a ten-minute
timer and turn off automatically unless reset by activating both main door-latching mechanisms
when all the doors are closed.
This design has two advantageous features. First, opening either of the main cabin doors provides an
immediate light source for preflight operations, passenger access, and baggage loading. Second, the
flip lights, when rotated either left or right, serve as emergency lighting in situations, which
necessitate turning off the master switch. The only disadvantage is that the flip lights can
inadvertently be left on, depleting battery power. To prevent this from happening, ensure the flip
lights are in the centered or flush position when securing the airplane at the end of a flight.
Overhead Reading Lights – There are four overhead reading lights, two between the front seats
and two between the backseat positions. Each light is on a swivel that can be adjusted to an infinite
number of positions. The intensity of the lights can be adjusted by moving the left slide-type dimmer
switch located in the center of the overhead panel, just aft of the master switches. The dimmer has
an on-off switch at the extreme forward position, and moving the slide aft increases the light
intensity.
Instrument Flood Bar – There is a tube array of LEDs inserted under the glare shield. The intensity
of the lights can be adjusted by moving the right slide-type dimmer switch located in the center of
the overhead panel, just aft of the master switches. The dimmer has an on-off switch at the extreme
forward position, and moving the slide aft increases the light intensity.
Upper Instruments – The brightness of the PFD, MFD, audio panel, and keypad are controlled by
photo cells located on the devices. The brightness of backlighting for the backup flight instruments
is controlled by the left slide dimmer switch at the front of the center console. The dimmer has an
on-off switch at the extreme up position, and moving the slide down increases the light intensity.
Lower Instruments, Circuit Breaker, and Master Switches Panels
– Backlighting of the pitot
heat, door seals, and optional equipment switches, flap panel, lighted position bar, slide dimmer
labels, master switches and circuit breaker panel is controlled by the right slide switch at the front of
the center console. Backlighting of the fuel pump “armed” light is controlled by the position lights
switch. The backlighting illuminates the placards on or next to the breaker, switch or control, and the
internally lighted switches. The dimmer has an on-off switch at the extreme up position, and moving
the slide down increases the light intensity. Backlighting of the pitot heat, door seals, and optional
items switches will dim down to a preset value while all other lighting controlled by this switch will
dim to zero.
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