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Had an interesting experience yesterday. Was out cruising around, getting some fuel for an upcoming trip. During runup before heading home I decided to test the backup alternator, which I don't always do (but should, I know) but since I have a trip coming wanted to check everything out. In testing the alternator, could never get the flashing Master light to go off, meaning not enough amps into the system. "Hmmm," I said, "good thing I checked this before the trip. Have to call Clowdus to check it out." But on the short cruise home I happened to glance at the amps readout and see that my volts were solid at 28.1 but the amps were pulling +15. And then it dawned on me...I have the A/C on. (And yes, the Ovation 3 is certified to have the A/C on during takeoff.) So figured that was the reason during runup I couldn't get enough amps out of the backup alternator. Since I'm not a big fan of doing a lot of testing in the air, once I landed I went back to the runup, turned off the A/C, and the backup alternator was fine. Note to self, turn the A/C off if I ever really need to use the backup alternator in flight. I'm guessing this is listed somewhere in the POH and I've read it a thousand times, but some lessons you just don't learn the easy way!

2006 Mooney Ovation2 GX M20R N969RP - S/N 29-0436 Hangared at Pickens County (KJZP) Georgia $285,000 (Brokered through Lone Mountain www.lonemountainaircraft.com) AVIONICS Garmin GDU 1040, 10” Primary Flight Display, three axis flight dynamics, air speed, altitude, VS, HSI with perspective modes Garmin GDU 1040, 10” Multi Function Display Garmin GDC 74A Integrated Digital Air Data Computer, Constant display of TAS, CAS, Wind Direction, VSI and TAT GRS77 Solid-State Attitude and Heading Reference System Dual Garmin GIA63, Integrated radio modules with IFR approved GPS, VHF navigation with ILS and VHF communication with 16-watt 8.33-kHz transceivers GMA 1347 Audio Panel with Marker Beacon and Intercom GTX 33 Integrated Mode S Transponder w/TIS Garmin GEA 71 Airframe/Engine Interface Unit Garmin GMU 44 Magnetometer Stand-by instrumentation, including ADI, A/S, Altimeter and Magnetic Direction Indicator with emergency lighting Garmin GDL 69A Satellite Data Link- Weather radar, satellite text, graphic weather data link and audio infotainment Garmin GFC700 AFCS w/WAAS (added November 2008) ME 406 ELT AVIONICS –OPTIONS Attitude Indicator Stand-by Electrical Installation of hot-wire plugs for Bose (pilot & co-pilot) AIRFRAME –OPTIONS Platinum Engine Extended Range Fuel – 102 USG Useable AmSafe Airbag Pilot & Co-Pilot Seats only Air Conditioning (25,000 BTU engine driven) Oxygen System (77.1 Cubic Feet w/Four Masks) Yes, there was damage history in 2007 at 300 hours. Hard landing at night with off-runway departure. The airplane now has over 875 hours without a squawk. Complete repairs performed by Dugosh and new paint at Tejas. After the repairs, WAAS, GFC700 and 406 ELT were added in November 2008 at a cost of over $50K.