12.26 Electrical System - DC

12.26.2 Describe the types of systems which are typically electrically operated in a light aircraft.

In a light aircraft, several systems rely on electrical power for operation:

• Starting system:
  Electric starter motor used to crank the engine
• Ignition (in some systems):
  Solid-state ignition systems (magnetos themselves are engine-driven, not electrical)
• Avionics:
  Radios, navigation equipment, GPS, transponder, and intercom
• Lighting systems:
  Navigation lights, landing and taxi lights, strobe lights, beacon, and instrument lighting
• Fuel system components:
  Electric fuel pumps and fuel quantity indicators
• Engine instruments:
  Gauges such as oil pressure, temperature, fuel flow, and tachometers (depending on type)
• Flight instruments (where applicable):
  Electrically driven gyros or standby instruments
• Flap systems:
  Electrically operated flaps in many light aircraft
• Landing gear systems (if retractable):
  Often electrically powered
• Warning and indication systems:
  Annunciators, warning lights, and alarms