Abstract: A panel mounted aircraft cockpit instrument is provided with a specially designed illuminating section which is used to light the instrument without causing interference with the operation of night vision equipment in the cockpit. An infrared light-filtering illuminating section is removably secured within a front-accessible recessed portion of the instrument and includes a sealed, filtered housing in which one or more incandescent bulbs are disposed. Each bulb is resiliently supported within its housing using a resilient, electrically resistive yet relatively highly heat conductive supporting material. Heat generated by the bulb is conducted outwardly through its supporting material into a metal heat sink portion of the housing and then externally dissipated therefrom. The illuminating structure may be easily and quickly removed and replaced without the necessity of removing the instrument or gaining access to the rear of the panel.