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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 665 of 934

What is an advantage of an alternator over a DC generator?

  1. It needs no voltage regulator to control charging
  2. It produces power even with the engine stopped
  3. It supplies full current even at slow engine speeds
  4. It makes more current only at high engine rpm
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Correct answer: It supplies full current even at slow engine speeds

Most DC generators do not give enough current at low engine rpm. The alternator output is also more constant.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Electrical System, page 190

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026