STC for starter and battery ?

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Fri May 18, 2007 10:57

Guys,
What STC is available for installing a small battery and light weight starter on an 85 hp Champ? (C-85-12 engine)

I'm considering buying a Champ with a light weight starter and a small battery- possibly an "informal" installation (I haven't yet checked the records). If necessary, is there a way to "formalize" this installation?
Thanks,
Rudy

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Sun May 20, 2007 13:25

Yep, take it off and fly it like it was designed

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Sun May 20, 2007 14:11

Mike, that's witty but not helpful-
Rudy

Post by **joea** » Sun May 20, 2007 14:40

Rudy,

STC information for the starter was posted on the other thread.

http://www.joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.ph ... 7&start=15

No STC for the wiring and battery, thats done using a service letter or 337 field approval.

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Sun May 20, 2007 16:43

Joe, the starter is not in question. The airplane I'm interested in has a light weight starter on a -12 engine. There's an STC for that.
It's the battery installation I need documentation on. An approved 337
would be most helpful.
Rudy

Post by **joea** » Mon May 21, 2007 09:27

Rudy,

Are you sure that the plane you are looking at does not already have a 337 done on the work in question?

Its not that big of a deal. The A&P who installed it can fill it out and send it to the local FSDO.

If the work was not done by an A&P (or approved technician) then it needs to be inspected very carefully and make sure its done right, as well as legally, then a 337 done by a certified mechanic and sent to the FAA.

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Mon May 21, 2007 11:27

Joe, I'm not sure it's that easy. Today most feds are reluctant to approve an installation from scratch (field approval). Having a previously-approved 337 really helps.
Rudy

Post by **joea** » Mon May 21, 2007 13:30

Rudy,

It is here in Arizona. Do the form, take it to the FSDO and get it approved.

Right now I do not have a copy of anyone's plane that has had the mod done on it, but I know of several.

If I hear of anyone who has had it done who I am in touch with will let you know. The last guy who did this is now up in Alaska, so a bit out of touch.

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Mon May 21, 2007 14:39

Thanks Joe-
Rudy

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Tue May 22, 2007 15:32

On a more serious note - try get approval for the newer lightweight batteries like the Hawker or Odyssey - they are half the weight of the standard boat anchors.

In the UK, our Champs are on the equivalent of an Experimental ticket so stuff like this is easy. I would put a Yuasa 17Ah sealed battery in and a flyweight starter. The Yuasa is an awesome battery - small and powerful enough to give at least 4 or 5 start attempts on an 200h.p. IO-360 in a Christen Eagle I had.

Still think you should junk the weight and enjoy lightweight 85 h.p. Champ flying - it doesn't get much better

Post by **joea** » Tue May 22, 2007 16:02

Mike,

Totally agree and the newer lightweight batteries are also sealed, so you do not have to have an enclosure or drain for the battery.

rudymantel · Post by **rudymantel** » Tue May 22, 2007 19:11

Mike, I agree. For 8 yars I owned an S-1S Pitts with an IO-360 and no electrical system whatsoever. (A little gel-cel for the radio) A wobble pump gave initial fuel pressure. But I had a lineman trained to prop it. I just don't like propping an airplane all by myself with no one in the cockpit. Hence, I need an electric starter.
Rudy

Post by **joea** » Tue May 22, 2007 19:16

Rudy,

As well its getting worse and worse in the general aviation sector. There have been a few accidents where someone hand propped their plane while alone and it got away from them.

Its only a matter of time before its required to have some sort of starter on the plane, or two people at the plane when starting.

Doing what you and many others (myself included) are doing right now is just getting a head start.

Joe

big chief 48 · Post by **big chief 48** » Tue May 22, 2007 21:37

Hi guys. Light is the best way to go, but I just put the chief on floats for the first time, and a lightweight stater will come in handy after I've missed a few docks and have to climb out on a wet, bobbing float to hand prop a hot engine. I have come up with an ingenious way of doing this without adding gross weight... I was 215 lbs. I just got under 200 and when I get to 185lbs, I will live large, by buying myself that new starter.

Post by **joea** » Wed May 23, 2007 17:01

Rudy,

Look at the most recent post on the thread below. The last poster got a field approval for the battery/starter setup, so if you need a copy you could contact him directly using the "email" button on the thread.

http://www.joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1634

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