Sealed Recombinant Technology
I have a box with the title wording on it sitting on my kitchen table right now. It seems like I’m getting into gene hacking, but no, it’s a new battery for the plane. We currently have a flooded lead acid battery in the plane now; we’re replacing it with a gel battery. It’s a similar technology, but uses a gel instead of a sulfuric acid liquid for an electrolyte between the battery plates. So, it’s sealed, and the electrolyte chemically recombines to regenerate itself. No genetics at all.
We’re hoping the new battery lasts long and requires less maintenance effort. I’ll be replacing the old with the new tomorrow sometime. There are several things that pilots can do for maintenance on their aircraft without a mechanic. CFR 14-43.7 (FAA regulations 43.7) authorize a private pilot or above can preform preventative maintenance and authorize a plane to return to service after that maintenance. Then appendix A to part 43 defines what preventative maintenance is. Item 24, “Replacing and servicing batteries.” is what covers me in this.
I’ve participated in two owner-assisted annuals, and worked under supervision with mechanics on several issues on both my plane and others when helping them out. I’m reasonably handy with tools, so this is something I know I am qualified to do. For example, the first time I changed the oil in the plane, I did it with an A&P mechanic to learn the process. I understood it, and all steps were clear. So, next time I’ll do it myself.
Two caveats to owner maintenance. All maintenance actions need to be logged even if I am doing it as a pilot. I log the work and sign it off with “PPL” and my pilot certificate number. It’s not legal unless signed off. Even GPS database updates need to be signed off.
Also, the maintenance work is for real. I need to exercise as much care in my work as my A&P would. Even if the owner is doing the work, the airplane will still fly. This isn’t messing around on the car!