F EATU RE STORY
tained and the charging system supply sufficient current to enable recharging. Loose terminals, or corrosion in the terminal assembly clamp-up and failing battery terminal posts, result in low and intermittent battery power, sparking and overheating. Should the battery terminal overheat, melt and either partially or completely detach from the battery, it can result in total electrical power loss in flight.
TOP CAPACITY
A capacity test is regarded as the most important test for any battery. This test provides an indication of its condition. It should be conducted by someone who knows what they are doing and has the equipment to do it. It is recommended a capacity test be done every six months or 400 hours (+/- 50). The test will only be correct if the battery is in a fully charged state at the beginning. It cannot be conducted if the battery is nearly or completely discharged. The average life of an aircraft battery can vary depending on conditions and how often the aircraft is used. Even the weather can play a role. A battery fitted to an aircraft which is always hangered in a warm environment will almost always outlive one fitted to an aircraft left out in the cold in the southern parts of Australia at the height of winter. Most manufacturers recommend battery replacement every 3.5 to five years. Anyone who has owned a car for a number of years will tell you batteries don’t always give any notice they are about to fail – you just get in one day and they don’t start, such is the nature of the beast. With that in mind it is probably best to replace your aircraft battery at the recommend time intervals. It is a relatively small cost to pay for the peace of mind knowing when you turn the key the engine will start.
Neat battery installation is a must
Loose connections or corrorsion can lead to excessive heat and melting terminals
Sophisticated test equipment used to test battery capacity
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