Plane Power, Ltd. has received FAA PMA certification for a new line of lightweight, high-output, belt-driven alternators. Each alternator was designed, tested and certified specifically for aircraft applications. “This was no simple task,” says Stephen Klodd, general manager of Plane Power, Ltd. “Apparently, the FAA has not issued PMA certification for a new piston engine alternator in a very long while. So we were basically starting from square one with our products and test plan and had to jump through numerous FAA product testing hoops. But thanks to all that testing, Plane-Power customers can now buy with confidence knowing the product is good and it is right.”
The new alternators not only weigh less than traditional aircraft alternators, but company officials say they also surpass OEM alternators in nearly every engineering category including: increased electrical output at lower engine rpms; full-rated output at typical aircraft engine cruise rpms; lower operating temperatures; reduced vibration; and longer service life.
Because Plane-Power alternators are certified under FAA-PMA, no STC paperwork is required for installation.
Plane-Power alternators are available from Plane Power, Ltd. and approved dealers. Approved aircraft applications include most Cessna, Piper, and Grumman aircraft, as well as nearly every other belt-driven alternator equipped, piston-powered, certified aircraft. A model-specific application guide and other information are available at Plane-Power.com.