Originally posted by rolling circle:
Think about that the next time you are checking the alternator belt - now there's a pointless and dangerous check!
Well, you may think so, but by checking the belt, with due awareness of the implications and appropriate safety precautions, it's possible to spot things like a lose bolt in the mounting bracket that has abraded the belt, or the result of a stress weakened clamp that has broken and allowed the belt to go slack. Both of which are infinitely preferrable to having an electrical failure in flight!
And yes, I've seen both, found one of them myself, and been able to be very happy that I spotted it before it became a flight safety issue. On the ground, it was a squawk, in the air, at night, in busy airspace, it could have been a very different matter indeed. Yes, be aware of the implications of being close to props even when they're supposed to be safe, but don't throw away a check because you've never found anything wrong!
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"Irish" Steve
[This message has been edited by Irish Steve (edited 19 January 2000).]