John->All planes must have beacons and strobes...Well- we could have a good discussion about terminology here- but...Oh heck- let's do it:1) The term "Beacon" as defined by the FARs is used to describe a type of light that is of a specific color (red) and used for identification purposes and general location of position.2) The term "Strobe" is also used to describe a light that uses timed impulse to transmit a radiant signal in the visible light spectrum to assist in identication of position.3) In technical circles, the term "beacon" is used to describe a light that uses a specific type of rotating mechanism to induce beacon pulse behavior, or uses variable voltage regulation to induce beacon pulse behavior.4) In technical circles, the term "strobe" is used to describe a light mechanism that uses electrical transmission to induce a flash impulse.All of this being the case, one will note that the FAR's define "beacon" by purpose and not by specific mechanical inter-workings. Therefor, it is permissable to use a certified light that meets the specifications of the FAR's "beacon light" even thought it is of a strobe type.So....Yes- you are indeed correct. All airplanes certificated for operation in the USA meeting certain criteria related to their manufacture date must have a beacon. What that beacon is made of is not so important as the purpose and usefulness of the light.

Paul, I feel your pain! I used to work for a contracter that did TWA's ground handling at PDX back in the late 80's. They had an L1011 that went from PDX to JFK. I loved working that aircraft (as all the others were DC-9's). My last flight in one was coming back from a four year tour do duty in Pearl Harbor in 92 on a Delta Tri-Star. During 4 years in Hawaii, I must have took around 10 trips on the L-1011 heading back to the mainland US. Man do I miss those days. Yes off topic but let Paul and I digress for a few :-)

:-xxrotflmao:-xxrotflmao:-xxrotflmao...Good Day.Jay BirchCFI,CFII,MEIMobile, ALwww.clearedasfiled.com