Aircraft Electrical Systems

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05-26-2006, 07:20 PM

mistarose

Gets Weekends Off

Thread Starter

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Position: Furloughed

Posts: 275

Aircraft Electrical Systems

Ok, will have my CFI checkride in less than three weeks. Time to study up on things I don't completely understand. I think my weakness is Aircraft Electrical Systems.

On checkrides I have answered the typical questions, like voltage of the alternator and battery, amperage, if the engine would quit if we switched off the battery master in flight. Stupid questions if you ask me.

Anyways, I have my Aircraft Systems for Pilots book, and FAA books handy, and I am motivated to finally understand these electrical systems. What are some good resources to really get a good understanding of aircraft electrical sytems?

I need to know the tricky questions, like how does the voltage regulator actually regulate? Whats connected to what and why and so on.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated!

05-26-2006, 07:34 PM

HSLD

APC co-founder

Joined APC: Feb 2005

Position: B777

Posts: 5,853

You won't learn everything you need to know on this forum. IMO, your school or CFI is getting low marks if you don't understand this a few week before your CFI check. You don't need to be an avionics technician but you should understand the basics and be able to easily answer the questions you pose.

Here are few links that might help:

http://www.cockpitgps.com/other_arti..._electrics.htm

Basic electricity:
http://www.zenithair.com/kit-data/ra/electric1.html

Magnetos:
http://selair.selkirk.bc.ca/systems1...20systems.html

Buy this book (have it over-nighted & then read it twice!).
http://www.ipilot.com/shop/product.aspx?pid=11742

Your not the first to have questions about electrical systems, so jump in and study for a few weeks....you'll get it.

Good Luck!

05-26-2006, 10:00 PM

WhiteH2O

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Position: Sitting down and facing front. Why would you want to know that?

Posts: 536

My CFI initial is on June 3rd. I have been spending a lot of time with the A&P at the FBO that I am studying at. They are usualy willing to help and they should know about that sort of thing, and others. Worth talking to.