Understanding Aircraft Electrical Systems - Part 1

Join us in Part 1 of our educational series on aircraft electrical systems, where we simplify complex concepts using water analogies. This innovative approach makes understanding the fundamentals of aircraft electrics accessible and engaging. Whether you're a budding pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just curious about how planes work, this video is a great starting point. Stay tuned for more in this series as we dive deeper into the world of aircraft electrical systems.

[NathanBallardSaferFlying]

This is terrific - and your content is must-watch for anyone that wants to be a safer, smarter pilot 💪

[Rance]

Thanks for taking the time to put the video together…..enjoyed it!

[Waldo-]

I’m definitely going to be getting my Multi Entine add on at Captain Seth Lake’s school. This is high quality teaching.

[BillOsborn-useq]

Loved the example. Never heard it explained that way before. Even thought I know it this still held my attention.
Great job

[nutrientdensepermaculture]

I have so much respect for Seth Lake, even if I were guaranteed a checkride failure I’d still pay for the pleasure 😂

[yanniej]

Thank you so much for the content, looking forward to part II of the series!

[shanelymullikin]

Great to see you back, Seth. Great video.

[DMacDaddy]

This video is so helpful. I'm such a mechanically minded person and understanding Electrical concepts has been difficult for me for years, despite working in construction and being surrounded by much more intelligent people. Really appreciate the dumb-it-down version! Also, I bought the Ace Course and really like it so far!

Best Wishes Seth!

[GlensHangar]

Interesting - but I have questions about what you say at 13:44 ish. 30 minutes of power from an aircraft battery seems pretty short? When I refurbed my 172 with a glass panel, new lights all round, swapped the generator for a 50 amp alternator, etc, etc. 
I tested the battery life with all equipment on, all panels, radios, lights, etc; the ships battery lasted 2.5 hours. That's when the internal back-up batteries cut in and went another 90 minutes to keep the panels and radios working; though I lost the lights at the 2.5 hour mark.
I guess older six pack equipment sucks more juice, I know that the older incandescent lights certainly do.

[BenGoddard-tk]

Wow! Great job on the visual. Thank you for helping all of us….aka Student Pilots 😊

[NorthwestAeronaut]

Another great video, Seth! Keep them coming!

[anthonyb]

This was amazing!!! Love the visual aids and the clarity of information.

[kyleball]

I’ve watched a ton of your videos! Especially from the beginning. Great stuff Seth!

[mathieusan]

I like the analogy with water. Thanks for doing this video. One question I was asked during my PPL checkride was about circuit breaker failure, and how many times should one try to reset it and why. Essentially how a fire can start from a circuit breaker perspective (for example, if the pilot reset it too many times, or hold it shut too long making the circuit breaker weld shut or sparks.. which would have high likelihood of starting a fire). Perhaps reviewing different circuit breaker design itself (I am sure they've improved over the years) and why a pilot should not try to reset a breaker in flight that is not critical to the flight, like the beacon light.

[JDSnowb]

Amazing video! I'd like to see more of this series. Maybe taking a look at some diagrams in the POH would help as well!

[letsberealq]

great explanations as ways Seth! Thank you!!!

[GenXaviation]

Amaizing ! Thanks Woww the best way to explain for us to understand

[JoshPiland]

I was stoked to see there’s another series. Thank you Seth! #Props As for an⚡️ electrical system lesson request: You’d mentioned “shedding” draw from the battery. I’m assuming there’s a universal sequence and emergency checklist. What’s your personal approach to this?

[MichaelLGriffin]

Absolutely loved your water analogy for electricity! Going to use it with my Cub Scouts if you don't mind!

[frankiefrank]

Great work. I run a Low Voltage company and I might use this in a class room for a career day. Depending on the location that they give us.