I don't regard an alternator failure in day VMC as a significant emergency. It's an inconvenience, but doesn't affect the aircraft's ability to fly. Obviously a potential nasty in IMC or at night. The real point of mentioning this, however, is to praise the always splendid guys at London Distress & Diversion. Yesterday I was in a Bulldog stooging around near Chlemsford when the alternator failed and I lost the radio almost immediately. No big deal: I landed back at North Weald non-radio and flapless. I phoned Southend Radar to apologise for leaving their frequency without speaking, and found that D&D had picked up my 7600 squawk, and asked me to call them to put their minds at rest. It is good to know that people are looking out for you.