My Alternator Just Quit! - Day 28 of The 31 Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2024
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2024
- Welcome to Day 28 of The 31 Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2024.
An emergency isn't an emergency if you are prepared for it.
As pilots it is critical to know your airplanes systems inside and out.
In this video Jason takes us through troubleshooting a real life emergency in flight!
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28 for 28, Jason, with the circuit breaker popped, I don't think the cycling of the Alternator power switch shouldn't have any effect; it already has no power.
That was my thought as well!!
Totally agree! Just wanted to follow the checklist.
You still have to follow the checklist
I’m an electrician and a student pilot. Good call giving a breaker one chance to stay closed. If a breaker pops there’s a reason.
28 for 28. Great job with being flexible with your video schedule and staying safe.
28 our of 28. Excellent video Jason! More than 30 years ago I was working on my instrument rating. It was a great VFR day. I was flying under the hood and flying a practice ILS approach with my flight instructor in a C-172. On final approach, it looked like I was doing an amazing job on the ILS approach. I was keeping the aircraft ILS localizer and glide slope needles perfectly centered, when I finally realized the red flag pop out on the VOR/ILS indicator shortly after I crossed the initial approach fix. There was no indication of charging on the alternator meter. It appears that the alternator had stopped charging some time during the flight. The battery powered everything up until I was on the final approach. We did not see that the alternator/battery was indicating a discharge earlier. Somehow we had not included it in our scan during this practice IFR flight. We abandoned the ILS practice approach and transitioned to a visual approach and landed. After landing we recycled the alternator switch, and tried to reset the circuit breaker, which popped out. I kept the aircraft running at idle and my flight instructor went inside the FBO to call KFCM tower to let them know we would be arriving VFR and would need light gun signals. We took off and flew back to KFCM. This was all a great learning day! Flying the aircraft with no electrical power for navigation or radios. As you readers know, aircraft engines can run off of the magnetos for spark. I can't remember if we keep the battery switch on and kept the flashing beacon on or not. As I remember, we chose not to use any power from the battery for radio communications and navigation. We did squawk 7600 and left the transponder on. But with the alternator not working and the battery no having any charge left, we were without any power for any electronics. I had to navigate back using pilotage. When we within 10 miles we flipped on the battery switch and tried the radio, but it was not working. We had to use light gun signals for communications once the tower saw us arriving within range. We landed uneventfully and even got light gun signals to taxi. Sometimes surprises like this can create an indellible memory. I have been a CFI-I for decades now and I still remember that experience and lessons that I learned from so many years ago.
Very cool story.
28 for 28. Great unscripted video! Thanks Jason!
28 for 28! Roger That ! Thanks Jason !
28 for 28 These Videos Are awesome and very informative. Thank you Jason
Dude if this is not scripted you are the bomb. Good job, thanks
28 for 28. In C172s where you only have a single alternator, it would be good to remind folks that from alternator failure moment you should try and land within 30 minutes (at a nearby airport, not a farmer's field) while you still have battery to power your avionics / comms.
28 for 28. Another great video Jason.
28 for 28! Golly. Interesting video. Calm cool and collect. Thanks for the learning experience. Cheers!
Great video! Looks like it's time to print out a new Quick Reference guide, laminate it, and have a shop do a spiral binding. Much easier and safer than having pages fall out. We did this for both the Quick Reference (stored in the back seat) as well as the Pre-Flight checklist (stored in the console) and it's been really useful.
28 for 28: I have never had a circuit breaker pop on me before. It's nice to see this situation play out in the real world and see the appropriate response as it happens.
Sometimes unscripted make for a great video. Fortunately, you in an airplane with redundant systems. I imagine MZ would have been a bit more exciting. Thanks again for sharing all your great content. You are making us pilot safer.
28/28 I love the real life scenario demonstration of troubleshooting that failed system.
28 4 28!
What I've learned is it can happen to the BEST of us, and to the REST of us
28-4-28! Equipment failure at 5k feet… knowing how to manage that condition would help me keep my head in the game. Jason you do it so, “matter of factly” that it is inspiring!! Whew! Great video!👍🏼
Amazing video, thanks! One thing that made me laugh out loud though. actually 2 things, "Electrical system likes electricity" I'm still giggling over that one and "I guess I'm down to 1 alternator" my first thought was that most of us fly around with 1 alternator. Keep up the great work and I'm really glad that you made this video and kept it authentic. Keep the blue side up.
28/28. Yes I also assumed that without the breaker in cycling 2 would be futile. Easy to catch in the comfort of my office. Easy to miss when chasing it down in the air.
28 of 28 done 🖒. I admit it. I once had a low voltage indication in my Cessna 172. What happened was that this particular plane had a double master switch for the battery and for the alternator. Some how the alternator switch was off and I ended up running on battery power for most of the trip. Luckily it was just that in the only thing that I had to do was to flip the alternator master switch back on. So people, if it happens to you check the master switch.
What I learned! OK, in flight situation, first question, "Where are my manuals?"
I am 26 for 28. Great lesson. Thanks
28 for 28! Thanks Jason!
Even though alt#1 had plenty of power for your operations it would have been instructive to go over load shedding procedures. Many planes have much lower output alternators or older generators that have lower output, or a single alternator. If it fails it is important to have a good understanding of your aircraft systems so that you know which electrical items to turn off and which to leave on or turn off till needed. This can vary based on the exact scenario and considerations such as weather, redundant equipment in your aircraft and time of day. It would provide a good mental exercise to think through these type of scenarios on the ground to have a general plan during real flight. Just like the troubleshooting of smoke in the cockpit from and electrical source and trying to isolate the cause with the batter/master then individual breaker selections.
28/28 great real world event to see what needs to be done and how to handle it
I have never seen a breaker pop in the plane. Thanks for showing that!
28 for 28, thanks for making it real.
28/28. A good refresher episode on handling in flight systems failure.
Checking in for acountability to the rewatch you assiged on night 31. I asked about declaring in this case. I had forgotten it was alt 2 and not alt 1. Thanks Jason
28 for 28! Yes, I've and a generator failure... yes, a generator failure... AT NIGHT! It took out the entire electrical systems and both mags... this resulted in a dead stick landing at night at Cheyenne, WY. I had the coolest fight instructor, who let me do the entire emergency engine out procedure by myself, to the ground on the runway... and I even taxied off the runway onto the taxiway so as to avoid fouling the runway. 2 weeks later the same thing happened! It turned out that the castings for both generator cases were from the same casting lot and the metallurgy was flawed. The chances of this happening are infinitesimal! Yet, it happened and it was excellent training for a newby pilot in 1975. So, as a flight instructor, I regularly conduct SIM-EOE-to-the-ground="Simulated Engine Out Emergency to the Ground". Of course, since we are practicing, it is to a usable runway. So, practice the SIM-EOE often!
Check lists on your MFD are available and would have been quickest way of accessing. However, nice to show your audience that old school reliance on the POH still works and is reliable. May want to mention that kinds of operations list might have been helpful.
28 of 28 great video. It shows things happen when you don't expect it.
28 for 28. Wow bad luck. Hope everything turned out well.
28/ 28 beat video of the series, great way to show how to keep a cool head.
28/28. Had an alternator failure in a 172 once, with a bad ammeter that was "stuck" showing a slight "charge" indication. Didn't know I had a problem until the radio got quiet. Flew back to the field, got first-hand experience with the tower light gun signals. School didn't charge me for that flight... :)
28 for 28. It's very usefull to go through WRH and reference manuals to be familiar in case something like this happens. You never know when it may be handy.
28 for 28
The "O" in ARROW.
THAT'S why we carry it.
28 for 28. Home stretch!
This happened to me a couple of years ago. After the initial WTF?! I ran the checklist, no joy, considered my options. Day VFR in uncontrolled airspace and I was on my way home anyway, so I turned off the master to conserve battery power and flew along in silence. On approach I turned on what I needed, called PAN PAN to let ATC know I might go NORDO at any time, landed. A couple of days later the shop found a broken wire in the alternator wiring.
So you got yourself a new plane I see. Congratulations
28 for 28. For the first time, I could appreciate that there is time for calmness and careful review during a non-life-threatening-immediate emergency. This means not everything has to happen in as few seconds as possible. Thanks Jason, for showing!
Great real world solo flight shared experience! Thank you Jason
28 for 28!
I like the one chance only rule for circuit breakers!! That sounds very wise!!! Thank you Jason!
ET
All 28.
Many good takeaways, one questionable. The QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) appears to be about to separate into its component parts. Makes it hard to use.
Very impressed with the Cirrus documentation organization. Your ability to quickly find the problem in the book is a good indicator.
The checklist itself is well organized and very similar to the QRH format at in Boeing/Airbus manuals.
Appreciate the way you handled the checklist and the way you verified the actions BEFORE execution.
Thumbs up on the one chance for the breaker. The only time I would try it again is if the component was absolutely necessary for the safe conclusion of the flight. If in IFR conditions, likely an immediate landing the best course of action.
Great videos and I have suggested my PPL groundschool students tune in and watch. Your lessons become a topic of discussion to encourage them to think outside the textbooks.
28/28 An important learning experience for sure Jason. . . . Bob
28 in the books... thanks!
28/28 Crazy real! ⚡️⚠️ Appreciate the lesson. #Redundancy
28 of 28! Like you, I rent a Cirrus frequently so that was a very informative video!
28 for 28. Sometimes the unplanned make for the best lessons.
DrNathan23 is 28 for 28. This is a different Jason that I think I remember seeing before. Unscripted and not planned. Love it!
Brilliant real world example. Thanks
28/28 As an electrician I agree with one reset of your cct breaker.
28 for 28, good video. Thanks
Well, awesome! Studying for my instrument and working my way through the electrical system and this sparked some "flow" questions--thanks for the video! I DID learn stuff!
28 for 28 - Lossing an alternator in your car (not ev, they don't have one) although not good and going to cost you some money for a new one, you can continue to trip, but not to far as you are now drawing power from your car battery. But in a plan, that could get your heart a pumping and I would thing you should start keeping an alternate and in sight and their distances as you taught us a few videos back.
28 for 28.
My alt failed in a C172 at night. I was not prepared. I now carry a backup radio as a result.
Hey Jason. Great video and good information. My question: what if I loose my alternator in a 172? We don’t have a fancy book like yours or even a checklist. Only thing we have is a checklist for engine failure. Would love to see a video on this topic. Thanks for all you do to keep is learning and being safe.
28 for 29, Jason! Starting my condition inspection this weekend. Great opportunity for me to check both my alternators!
28/28 Had a main circuit breaker fail flying across Lake Erie, luckily I have a portable radio with external antenna, landed safely
28 for 28. ALT 1 saved the day!
i like to know what it was after you got it to the shop :) but perfect example on what to do during a flight
28 for 28. We train to be prepared, not if it happens but when. Excellent video.
28 of 28, great reminder that things can change in an instant and to always be prepared for unexpected, I had an engine failure right on landing for the day after a cross country, thankfully it was right above the runway. Thanks for another great video Jason!
28 for 28. I once lost an alternator (the only alternator) just as night was falling and we were in mountainous terrain. Fortunately we were just passing nearby St. George, Utah when it happened and were able to land safely (after we found the brand new airport after we discovered the old airport had just been X'ed out a couple days before). I consider myself VERY lucky to this day.
What aircraft was it?
@@Jay-et7jh Piper Warrior.
28/28. I've had the exact thing happen. It was a little stressful the first time. Having videos of these types of events help us feel better prepared. Thanks for all you and your team do -- especially your production director. He is amazing.
Twenty-eight for twenty-eight! Great vid I loved how you showed how it's important to not panic and take time to read the checklist!
28 / 28 … hope you got it sorted when back on the ground
28:28. I'm sorry you had to deal with an Alt2 issue but it made for a great video. Great demonstration of keeping a calm mindset and running through the abnormal checklist. I am curious why you did not use the checklist on the MFD but that might simply be a preference for using the paper version. As I type this, I can see how it would be beneficial to be accustomed to using the paper book in the event you lose the PFD/MFD. Thank you for all you do!
28 for 28 I had it happen once while I was training. It caught my eye before my instructor. Reset it and all was well. My next lesson in the plane I was told that eventually they had to replace the alternator
28 for 28, thanks Jason! Alternators - not a question of if they fail, but when. Thank you for showing us the methodical use of the checklist to deal with this situation.
28/28. Timing is everything
That was excellent Jason! Unscripted problem in the air. Great teaching lesson
Glad it’s a rental.
28/28 I learned the most on day 19
28 for 28 🙏🏻
Be be safe out there, and great example of how important it is, to stay calm during those types of situations, unplanned situations.
28 for 28 - excellent video and I've had to deal with an alternator failure before, trick is to remain calm and to know your systems / know where to find the checklists
28/28, I have experienced an alternator failure during my ppl training. Climbing out after takeoff, handed over to departure and as soon as I keyed the mic up and had an abnormal static spike in the coms. Figured out quickly that I had the alternator breaker pop. Turned her around and put her down, it was a good training experience in all reality. Thanks for the video Jason.
28 for 28! Great real world example. I love the unscripted video sir!
28/28. Timely real world lesson !
Like to hear what the problem was with the alternator, if you find out. 28/28. Couldn't help noticing how easy it appears when one is on A/P. In my old PA28-235, the most interesting part of the exercise is looking up from the book to see what attitude she took when I I was leaning over the seat.
Wow! That was exciting!
28/28 sometimes these are the BEST lessons
28/28…. Good lesson today.
Love it brother, thanks for the video!
28 for 28, Bobbydoyle1345 has a valid point in his comment.😮
Glad you’re safe brother, great vid staying calm
28/28 another great video. Lost alternator on 1976 172 flying into Apf years ago with CFI. It was a great lesson .
28/28 !well done
28/28. Good lesson ..
A cirrus situation in a cirrus...thanks jason. Should have a caution before dragging that giant manual from behind the seat! Good job as usual! Nice to keep us hanging on what the planned episode was supposed to be. Nice close up after you tried to reset the breaker.
28/28! Great stuff...
28 for 28 - Thanks MzeroA!
28/28 Thanks Jason
I fly a PA24-180 1959 model. Don’t have no backup alternator so if this were to happen to me I have to rush to the nearest airport. Battery will get me 1/2 hr. Once the alt fails. Scary thought specially if I am doing a cross country and there is no other airport within 1/2 hr distance. These is where preplanning is super important.
28 from 28 Sir, OUTSTANDING TROOBLE SHOOTING INFORMATIVE VIDEO CHeers 👌👌🧐🧐👍👍🍻🍻
28 for 28. I’m still trying to memorize for these types of situations and other emergency procedures. Seeing you do it in person helps me visualize how it’s supposed to be done.
That was an awesome teaching moment in a rare real world situation. Thanks
28/28 great work
28 for 28! I had one alternator failure early on in my flight training in a 172N, scared the hell outta me.
28 of 28 good info
Resetting a breaker over 5amps significantly increases your risk of fire/smoke or will lead to additional electrical issues