3.2 Aircraft Systems and Flight


aircraft electrical system has three primary components: a battery, a generator or alternator, and an electrical bus to distribute electrical power. The spark plugs in certified piston aircraft engines are powered by engine-driven magnetos, so no additional electrical power is required for the engine to run. Indeed, some basic aircraft like the Piper J–3 Cub or The Maule don’t even have an electrical system. 

For most General Aviation airplane to operate under Visual Flight Rules under 14 CFR Part 91 most airplane may not need electrical system for Day operations however at night. The Federal Aviation Adminstration does require any US registered plane to be equiped with certain equipments that may require an electric system. For light GA airplane this electrical system may be very simple such as an Alternator or Generator that generate electricity and power the battery. The battery provides power to start the engine, which then turns the alternator or generator, so that it produces power for the aircraft’s electrical needs (and to recharge the battery). An electrical bus—think of it as a circuit—distributes the power. A few other components are required to make everything work. A master switch, which usually has two halves—one controlling the battery, and another for the alternator or generator—enables the flow of power to aircraft systems. (It also allows the battery or alternator/generator to be turned off, helpful if electrical-system troubleshooting is required.) A voltage regulator maintains a constant system voltage, and an ammeter or loadmeter confirms the health of the system; it also indicates whether the battery is charging normally. Finally, a system of switches, fuses, and circuit breakers allow various components to be turned on and off, and protect them from excess current. In many aircraft electrical switches also incorporate circuit breakers.

References 

Federal Aviation Administration, & U.S. Department of Transportation. (2016). Pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge. 

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