Dietz #8 Air Pilot Oil Burning Lantern (Blue)

The Dietz Air Pilot is a reliable old school source of light for power outages, outdoor activities, or just for ambiance. The 7/8 inch wick produces more light than smaller wick models and, in my opinion, is whiter and slightly brighter light than the Jupiter's (see the attached picture for a comparison of light output - a Dietz 76, then a 2000, then a Jupiter, and finally an Air Pilot which was the brightest). It's wide base is very stable, and it is light enough for easy carrying. The rising cone burner is easier to light and trim the wick than the other 7/8 inch wick models, however it is more wind sensitive. In stronger winds, you have to turn down the wick some to avoid smoking, more so than the Jupiter. That is the only disadvantage to the Air Pilot I have found so far. In addressing some people's complaints about leaking, all Dietz type lanterns should be filled to just under the bottom of the filler neck (see picture). The 'tank' on these lanterns is a two chambered affair, with a fuel fount on bottom and a separated air chamber above. If you overfill them the oil will expand through the fount's wick opening into the upper air chamber and then leak out the side air tube crimps. None of mine have ever leaked when properly filled and kept upright. Burned with a clear non-paraffin lamp oil there is almost no smell after the initial burn-in. Very useful in winter power outages. I keep a few day's worth of fuel on hand just in case, and it has come in handy several times. Update 1/16/2020: I received an additional Air Pilot 12/25/2019, which brings my total number of that model to three. This last one had a bottom crimp seal that weeped oil just enough to fill the crimp bead, but not enough to overflow onto a surface before evaporating. So, not all of my Air Pilots arrived in perfect condition, but as Mr. Loaf once said "don't be sad, 'cause two out of three ain't bad". Other than that they all work perfectly, and that one is the only one of the 8 total Dietz's I have that required a fix. I have since sealed the crimp on that one with a couple tablespoons of spar varnish inside the dried tank, let it dry thoroughly, and it is fine. Although the fix was simple and inexpensive, it was still needed, therefore am altering my rating to 4.67 stars total for the Air Pilots I have (and I would still buy more in a heartbeat).

I wish these were still made in US but oh well. 5 stars for brightness and overall build. Handle needed tweaking but was an ez fix. Don’t overfill and it won’t leak.

I rate the lantern 5 stars, the seller rating not so much.I purchased this lantern on Amazon in NEW condition from Glitzy Gift Shop. I was disappointed because it was not in an original box and there was a chip of paint missing near the fount cover (see attached photos). I contacted the seller in order for them to explain to me why this NEW lantern was shipped in this condition. They referred me to Amazon Customer Service.Amazon Customer Service rectified the issue in a generous manner. Despite the fact that it was not in NEW condition (i.e. original packaging and has a blemish) upon arrival, the lantern works fine. It is really lovely and very simple to use. It's very classy looking. Just follow the advice of NOT FILLING THE FONT with more than 80% of fuel. I have had NO LEAKS at all. I've been trimming the wick prior to each use. YouTube is an excellent source for how to assemble/disassemble the lantern, trim the wick, light the lantern and fill it properly. I also clean the globe after each use with just a little dab of soap and water. It is very simple to use and maintain. Good luck and happy lighting!!!!!

These are very nice lanterns. larger fuel tank and wick than the Dietz 76, but are the same height.These are cold blast lanterns and they give off very good light. I have used the No 8 lanterns for two nights. There is a very noticeable difference in brightness compared to the No 76. Unlike a couple of Stanport lanterns, these Dietz lanterns do not leak.I give these china made lanterns 4 stars only because they are not quite as sturdy as the Fuererhand lanterns but they are good quality.I would buy again and I would recommend.

I've ordered several different makes and models of lanterns over the last few months. And by far this one is my favorite. Puts out great light.Feuerhand is also a great little lantern. But a little bit on the small side. This one is more usable when it comes to light output.

I have several lanterns from different brands. From my collection Dietz is the best. I do wish they was still made in the US but everything is made over seas now. The quality is way better then other lanterns. None of my Dietz lanterns leak a drop. This lantern puts out plenty of light. It's a flat wick so its not going to light up an entire room like a overhead light would. They are great to have in case of an emergency power outage. Another thing nobody mentions and the fact that they put out a ton of heat. If you lose your power in the winter these things will keep you from freezing to death. In the winter I like to burn them they put off a warm glow in the room that is not hard on the eyes. I have used both kerosene and Klean heat in all my lanterns. The Klean heat is the best because there is no odor. This lantern has large fount so you don't have to fill it as often. I also trim my wick every time I burn my lanterns. That helps keep the odor down as well.

This thing is so cheaply made that it doesn't operate properly.The bails that hold the globe in place are thin and very loose. When tilting the globe assembly over for trimming the wick, the globe falls out.When using the lever to lift the globe for lighting, the globe assembly does not seat properly on the burner when lowering it. You have to press down on the chimney to seat it correctly.I have an Air Pilot from 5 or so years ago. The reviews back then were mixed with some saying it was not the same as when they were made in America. My first one is an absolute gem compared to this new one.This latest version doesn't seem to be the same lantern. The flame is a pale yellow-orange while the 5 year old has a nice, white flame.Don't waste your money, this lantern is total garbage.

Design is tried and true, only variable is execution. This one is nicely made solid, functional no issues no leaks.

Mid 1800;s design endures to provide aesthetically pleasing looks and light. Soft yellow light provides easy on the eye lighting around the camp site, Bonus, using citronella lamp oil keeps the bugs away. Easy to use and well made too.

This lamp is incredibly well made. I read lots of reviews here and on YouTube and almost didn’t purchase put any complaints I’ve read have been misuse by overfilling it. I recommend people review how the lamp is designed and do not overfill! This lamp is an ingenious design and will stay lit in a Hurricane! So as emergency lighting or as a lamp on the patio you won’t go wrong. Built like a tank. I’ve also read reviews that say built in China which is true but built to original spec as far as I can tell.

思ってたより大きかったですが、とても気に入ってます。ずっと相棒として使っていきたいです。

I have not light up yet, but the product looks excellent and came well packaged.I bough 3 of those lamp, two black and one red. More as a decorative item. I love it.

It's good.