Kirstey
Negative Charlie has lucidly explained why the location of the battery is important operationally - the effect on weight and balance when landing (or more precisely holding off.)
Piper has a habit of putting sodding great big batteries in the engine bays of "winterized" aircraft which comes as an even bigger surprise to the uninitiated during the flare, as the back pressure is different for those used to the weight and balance of aircraft with a luggage compartment battery fit.
However, I mentioned this question as I know a couple of FEs who regularly ask it.
Best of luck.
Last edited by Final 3 Greens; 27th Jun 2002 at 14:08.