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If anyone plans on flying at higher altitudes, I think there is a potential
problem with internal arcing using standard automotive type alternators.  As
the air gets less dense, an arc will travel farther (less insulating
properties in the air).  I think that aircraft alternators that may be used
at higher altitudes have some type of modified carbon brushes.  Not sure
what other precautions are taken.  I know that there are quite a few
standard type (automotive/industrial) alternators flying and think the
potential of a problem probably only exists in altitudes around the mid
teens and above.

Gary Rodgers


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