Emergencies
Managing an Alternator Failure
If the alternator fails and can't be reset per the POH, shed electrical load, land as soon as practicable, and use radio-failure procedures or a phone if needed.
1 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
If you suspect an alternator failure, follow the POH procedure, including any approved reset attempt.
If the alternator can't be restored:
- Reduce electrical load by switching off non-essential equipment.
- Manage power conservatively.
- Plan to land as soon as practicable while battery capacity remains.
Continue operating the radio as normal where possible. If communications become unreliable or are lost, transmit blind and follow standard radio failure procedures.
You may also consider using a mobile phone to advise ATS or AFIS of your situation and intentions. This can reduce workload and improve situational awareness – particularly at aerodromes such as Paraparaumu, where AFIS is available.