In-flight alternator failure in the PA28 over Essex UK

The Flying Reporter suffers an alternator failure in the PA28 while flying from Biggin Hill to Duxford. The alternator is the device that charges the aircraft's battery, and without it the on-board electrical systems will fail once the battery has discharged. This isn't an emergency, because the aircraft can continue to fly safely with a flat battery. It can be inconvenient though, because radios, navigation equipment, the aircraft intercom and some instruments will stop working.

When faced with this incident, I prepared for worse-case scenarios, and pondered on whether it was just a part failure, or whether there was a more serious electrical problem. As it turned out, this was just a simple part failure, and the aircraft was returned to service the following week.

This was my first time, in 2 years flying this aircraft that a system has failed on me. The aircraft is very well looked after and expertly maintained. It also undergoes regular statutory maintenance checks. It was just unlucky that the alternator failed on this day.

A big thanks to Southend Radar, Biggin Hill ATC, and Biggin Hill airport fire & rescue service. Even though this was not an emergency and I had not declared one, they afforded my flight priority over other regular traffic, and mobilised the airport fire service as a precaution.

Read more: http://www.jonhunt.net/2016/10/video-...
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Music:
From the YouTube audio library
The Only Girl, Silent Partner
Plastic or paper, Wes Hutchinson

Prelude No. 10 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/