Terrific article about what to do in the event of an alternator failure (“When The Sparks Stop,” May 2010), right up to the part where the author says, “if you dont feel like its an absolute emergency, dont declare one.” He then goes on to say ATC will realize the seriousness of your situation, and provide extra help. No. They. Wont. 288
Will They? Or Wont They?
Terrific article about what to do in the event of an alternator failure ("When The Sparks Stop," May 2010), right up to the part where the author says, "if you dont feel like its an absolute emergency, dont declare one." He then goes on to say ATC will realize the seriousness of your situation, and provide extra help.
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots experiencing an alternator failure should always declare an emergency to Air Traffic Control (ATC), as controllers may not recognize the gravity of the situation without explicit notification.
- Declaring an emergency prompts ATC to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance (e.g., clearing traffic) without fear of enforcement action, as the author (a 25-year controller) states it rarely leads to certificate issues.
- Failing to declare an emergency for an alternator failure could lead to more serious problems and potential scrutiny from authorities if the situation deteriorates (e.g., battery dies, landing without clearance).
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
