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Walter, thanks for adding the item I was missing in my caution regarding
automotive alternators.  I knew it had something to do with the brushes, and
electrical arcing at altitude.  An alternator with a good internal dusting
of conductive graphite particles is the perfect environment for internal
arcing to occur at higher altitudes where the insulating properties of the
air is less.  (Why do most, if not all, pressurized piston engine aircraft
have pressurized mags? To limit the potential for internal arcing)  Its
especially critical when so many people are abandoning vacuum driven
equipment in favor of 'more reliable electric' driven instrumentation.
Compromising/reducing reliability of the sole electrical source when it is
going to be your sole 'life line' is not where I want to save money.  Most
Lancair builders are building 'high performance' aircraft; at least relative
to most other experimental categorized aircraft.  Performance either costs
now or later: now it is in materials, later could be a life.  As I mentioned
in my previous post, lower performance aircraft will probably not be so
affected because they will not be taken to the higher altitudes, probably
will not be flown through multiple weather systems on a long cross country,
etc, and the survival of a 'day vfr' failure is very likely.

Make it a happy new year!!  It doesn't just happen.

Gary Rodgers


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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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