Originally Posted by
pulse1
In 2007, I installed a sealed, lead acid battery recommended by a fellow aviator who sold caravans (permit aircraft). As far as I know it is still in the aircraft having spent 16 winters in cold, damp hangars with long breaks. One morning I discovered that someone had left something switched on and the battery was dead flat. Hand swinging started the engine and the battery does not seem to have suffered. The key is to turn the prop several times after switching on the fuel pump, as Jan recommends above. It always made me laugh when, on a frosty morning with several other mad aviators struggling to get their motors going, ours always started instantly. I could never understand why everybody didn't do it.
This seems to be an issue, certified aircraft batteries don't last whatever extravagant claims for them are made.
Non certified batteries seem to perform better.
I know of certified aircraft flying with car batteries so I am not alone with the problem.
High cost and poor longevity do not sit well together.
Lithium batteries may be the answer although cost is higher again.
However a certified Lithium battery should be available for our aircraft this year.
If the new battery pegs out that will probably be the way forward.