Electrical Systems: The Backbone of the Airplane
There are many vital aircraft systems that are responsible for the safe, efficient performance of flight. It is arguable that the most important system is the electrical system. Our reading states, "Most aircraft are equipped with either a 14- or a 28-volt direct current (DC) electrical system (Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Ch. 7, pg. 7-30). It provides electrical power to every system on the airplane.
There are many components in the system that play integral jobs in ensuring proper configuration and operations, and the battery is an important one. Battery power keeps many important systems running when normal electrical voltage is not supplied (for example, during engine starts before the alternator/generator are spooled up), or even serving as a backup source of power should the electrical system completely fail and go offline. Batteries can fail in many ways. Just like batteries you buy at a store for your remote, fresh batteries will last longer than the ones in your remote, currently. This article said, "You often hear that a battery will last 45 minutes after it's deprived of alternator energy. But that would be for a new battery that's in tip-top condition." (Horne, 2020) So naturally, a battery potency can wear off, causing weak output and limit dependency in critical times of need. Another failure that can occur with aircraft batteries can occur without even being installed on the airplane. An aircraft battery is a component that needs special attention given on and off its assigned aircraft. To mitigate both issues with the aircraft battery, the biggest solution is preventative, routine maintenance. Taking your aircraft battery to an authorized manufactured shop (or learning the skills yourself) and getting your battery routinely inspected and serviced.
Getting it serviced, like seen above, can take your aircraft out of commission during the time being. However, simply having another battery ready to go will mitigate this small hiccup.
This can heavily increase the lifespan of your batteries. A battery shop article spoke and said, “All battery technologies require scheduled checks to ensure safety. Maintenance ensures optimum performance and avoids on-board failure that leads to costly delays for operators. “(Engines & Components, 2010). Simple, routine inspections (as required by each battery’s manufacturer date) can preserve components within the batteries (like the cells) thus leading to better performance. Ensuring aircraft batteries operate properly is a fundamental practice in safe aviation.
References:
Aircraft Batteries. StackPath. (2010). Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.aviationpros.com/engines-components/article/10371585/aircraft-batteries.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/
Horne, T. (2016, April 2). Electrical malfunctions. AOPA. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/flighttestprep/skills/electrical-malfunctions.
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