Airplane Batteries

George Patterson wrote:
RG batteries are very sensitive to being left in a partially
discharged state.

I plug in the trickle-charger every time I come back from a flight and
leave it on until I go again (lead-acid battery). Mechanic concurs that
this is a good idea. I usually fly once or twice/week. Sounds like this
would be a good thing for an RG battery as well?

unicate wrote:
George Patterson wrote:

RG batteries are very sensitive to being left in a partially
discharged state.


I plug in the trickle-charger every time I come back from a flight and
leave it on until I go again (lead-acid battery). Mechanic concurs that
this is a good idea. I usually fly once or twice/week. Sounds like this
would be a good thing for an RG battery as well?

I can't imagine why this would be a good idea for a plane flown at least
once a week regardless of what type of battery you use. I use a regular
lead acid battery in my Bonanza and used the same in my 182 when I had
that. No reason a battery won't last 5-6 under these conditions.

If you are servicing the battery more than once per year there may be
something wrong. I replace my battery every 2-3 years. The only
othertime the battery box is opened is during annual.

-Robert

I've used a RG battery for 6 years and consider them a good solution to
a potentially nasty problem (leakage). I think the life is comparable
to a wet battery, and would certainly use one in your situation. The
RGs are a little more sensitive to overcharging, so have your mechanic
check the charging voltage when installing the new battery.