FLYING contributer Les Abend says he's always enthusiastic about an airplane sojourn but knows that using our Piper Arrow as a station wagon with wings can be an organizational packing challenge for my wife. [Courtesy: Les Abend]
Key Takeaways:
The pilot experienced two distinct in-flight alternator failures during a single cross-country trip, each requiring an emergency declaration and diversion.
The first incident, over the Smoky Mountains, was temporarily resolved by repairing a broken alternator terminal connector and tripped breaker.
The second, more critical failure, occurring 17 hours later in IMC, necessitated a full alternator replacement due to faulty bearings.
These incidents underscore the importance of vigilant instrument monitoring, prompt emergency procedures, and effective power management in general aviation.
So, there I was… (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) A very small annunciation in the upper left-hand corner of the Aspen PFD caught my eye. The percentage of internal battery power remaining was being displayed and the value was slowly decreasing.
Whaaat? Why? What’s wrong with the Aspen?
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.
