Frank wrote: "I recently learned that an alternator needs a current in order to generate electricity. In other words, you can't put a dead battery in the system and expect the alternator to recharge the battery."
I learned that just spring term in A&P class myself, Frank. And when you have an alternator installed, you should also have a volt meter on the panel. Some installations allow a "dual" gage = volts and amps. Neither voltmeters nor ammeters are called out by FAR 91.205, so don't expect them there. There is a volt meter as well as an ammeter in that `coupe I'm selling. This can be tricky - one can prop the plane and launch with a low/dead battery, and the alternator will not charge the system. This leaves one in flight with no electricity for radios, etc. Percy
