What procedure when CTSW battery goes dead

[FastEddieB]

Thanks for your help, ya'll. Here is the spec sheet on the battery selling on ebay. http://www.enersysreservepower.com/docu ... 1_0406.pdf

I think people are trying to tell you that that might not be a legal replacement, unless...

1) It's identical to what came installed, or,

2) there's an existing LOA, or,

3) You can get FD to issue you an LOA, or,

4) You go Experimental.

I'm sure many just don't worry about that sort of thing, but it never hurts to be legal.

[drseti]

You do have a SLSA?

Here is the right battery

Since Dan flies a CT, that is indeed the correct battery. But, I hasten to add, the battery is an aircraft component, not an engine component, so the airframe manufacturer determines which battery is authorized. In other words, that will not necessarily be an approved battery for other SLSAs.

[CharlieTango]

You do have a SLSA?

Here is the right battery

Since Dan flies a CT, that is indeed the correct battery. But, I hasten to add, the battery is an aircraft component, not an engine component, so the airframe manufacturer determines which battery is authorized. In other words, that will not necessarily be an approved battery for other SLSAs.

The point is that Dan cannot install that cheap battery and remain airworthy if he has an SLSA designation. If his CT is experimental he could use it, ( not that it would make much sense )

[ussyorktown]

The battery that is in my sight looks just like the one that is in my airship now. I remember my Rotax certified mechanic telling me that it is a Rotex issue (such as adjusting the engine to a higher speed is a powerplant and NOT a light sport issue).

Aaron Burr http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burr%E2%80%93Hamilton_duel

"The law is whatever is boldly asserted, and
Plausibly maintained."

[drseti]

I remember my Rotax certified mechanic telling me that it is a Rotex issue

Tell your Rotax certified mechanic to review the ASTM standards. The battery is an airframe component, not an engine component. In the SLSA universe, that means the aircraft manufacture has the right and responsibility to determine which specific batteries are or aren't approved for use in that particular airframe. When in doubt, one should always go by the airframe maintenance manual and illustrated parts catalog.

There are a good many A&Ps out there who have taken one or more of the four Rotax courses, hence are Rotax certified mechanics, but don't know the ASTM rules, because their extensive background has been in certified aircraft. Even though such mechanics are legally entitled to work on LSAs, I would hope that anyone who does so will choose to take LSA-specific training.

[ussyorktown]

I'll mention your viewpoint to him but as I recall, he disagrees. He's quite aware of the controversy but says that he is on solid ground on this issue.


THIS JUST IN....

Good morning Daniel,

Under FAA regulations for Special Light Sport Aircraft you can only use batteries approved by the manufacturer of the aircraft. I have attached the letter of authorization from Flight Design that specifies the two types of approved batteries for the CTSW CTLS.

Perry


THEREFORE, I just bought the $160 battery (plus about twenty bucks shipping by ground). This is a great forum. You guys always squeeze out the solution.

[CharlieTango]

You could send it back and just jump start or charge your CT as it is. I have 2 deep cycles on my 2006 CTSW battery and I will keep it at least until the next annual or till it stops working.

The wire hanging from your firewall is connected to the positive side of your battery. This makes charging, tending, or jumping easy to do with the cowling on.

You can spend less as well, I've already posted links for you. The constant voltage charger / tender will help your $130 battery last for many years.

[ussyorktown]

My mechanic says that my battery has a year of life left in it if it wasn't deep cycled.
So, might as well get a new one now so I'll have one less than to worry about as I fly over the Cascade mountains at 10,000 feet.

[3Dreaming]

$160 plus $20 shipping is a little steep. I found $135 with free shipping when I looked. Here is another choice for a charger. It is recomended and sold by Odyssey, though you can find it cheaper from other sources. http://shop.odysseybattery.com/p/omax-6a-1b

[Super Cub]

The Odyssey batteries have a two year warranty.

[drseti]

Irrelevant political post deleted by moderator

[jnmeade]

The battery that is in my sight looks just like the one that is in my airship now.

FAR 1.1
Airship means an engine-driven lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered.

Neat. What model, brand, color, type, etc. airship do you own? I'd love to rid in one.

[ussyorktown]

Sir! I am reading "Stick and Rudder" as I take my morning sheet and he calls them airSHIPS!


How do you rid in airship?

[FastEddieB]

For information, batteries helped drive me to E-LSA.

My Sky Arrow equipment list listed a particular FIAMM Italian battery.

Without a LOA, that's the only authorized replacement.

I could not find one in this country. Would have been in excess of $300 to have one shipped from Italy.

PLUS, my AMM says a Light Sport Repairman or A&P is the minimum to change the battery. A single dzus fastener holds it in place.

PLUS, the manufacturer, 3i, was struggling and nonresponsive to request for an LOA.

As data points, I know of at least two Sky Arrows where shops had replaced the original battery with a non-authorized replacement and no LOA. I don't know how widespread this practice is, but this was two out of a very small sample size.

Now that I'm Experimental, an Odyssey PC680 slides right in, though it's a tad heavier and I had to redo the W&B. Better battery at less than half the price of the FIAMM.

Similarly, as an S-LSA, without an LOA I could not have legally gone to the Desser Monster retreads that are on my plane now, and wearing like iron.

This is an aggravation that really needs to be addressed somehow.

[designrs]

Good to keep those batteries charged while in storage. I think I heard something once about sprang clutch damage, possibly from low battery starting.