SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-alternator-failure-shed-load

Your only alternator fails in flight. What should you do right away?

Shed nonessential electrical loads, then land at the nearest suitable airport.

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  1. Turn on every light so ATC can see you
  2. Shed nonessential electrical loads ✔
  3. Restart the engine to reset the alternator

Why: Once the alternator goes off line, the battery is the only power left and it may not last long. The FAA says to shed nonessential loads at once and plan to land at the nearest suitable airport.

Huh, didn't know that: The AFH says a 40-amp load might fully drain a light airplane battery in about 10 or 15 minutes.

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My alternator quit and so did my battery. Now my airplane is just positively negative.
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References

Answer: Shed nonessential electrical loads. Once the alternator goes off line, the battery is the only power left and it may not last long. The FAA says to shed nonessential loads at once and plan to land at the nearest suitable airport.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 18 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/19_afh_ch18.pdf
    It is essential, therefore, that the pilot immediately shed non-essential loads when the generating source fails.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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