Boeing Ditches Retractable Landing Lights on 737 Next Gen

The Boeing 737's landing light system has undergone significant changes over the years. In older models, including the 737 Original and Classic, the landing lights were retractable, extending from the fuselage belly when needed.

However, with the introduction of the 737 Next Generation in 2015, Boeing dropped the retractable system in favor of a fixed LED Landing, Taxi, and Runway Turnoff Lights (LTRTL) system. This change was motivated by maintenance savings, as the old system used Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR) lamps with a short lifespan of around 70 hours.

The new system features LED light arrays housed behind glass in the wing roots, eliminating aerodynamic issues caused by protruding lighting. The change also reduced foreign object damage and exposure to extreme elements.

Pilots now operate the fixed landing lights using a three-position switch with 'RETRACT', 'EXTEND', and 'ON' options, but are no longer required to extend and retract the lights as before. This has increased flexibility for pilots and improved safety.