USA wrote:
Hi all, does anyone know if the PA28-235 platform can handle a backup
alternator? If so, how would one be mounted? If not, what is the
substitute alternative? Any suggestion on how many hours in labor &
costs would be appreciated.

First off, I don't doubt a method could be devised to install a backup
alternator. However, this would be considered a major alteration
requiring either an STC or field approval. In this day and age, I
doubt you would get a field approval (even if someone previously got
one for the same thing - the pracice of accepting prior field approvals
as data for new ones has gone away, unfortunately) and AFAIK there is
no STC.

You can search all the existing STC's for a particular make and model
on www.airweb.faa.gov/stc - be sure to check PA28-235 and PA28 series.
It's not terribly searchable but you can always cut the text from your
favorite browser and paste it into a text editor with search capability
if you so wish.

If there is no STC (and I suspect there is not) you're looking at tens
of thousands to make it happen.

I suggest that a much better approach would be to carry a handheld
radio and GPS. Depending on what you choose, cost can vary from $500
to $3000. Also, you might consider adding a BNC connector allowing
your handheld com to use an external antenna in case power goes out.
Total cost for that should not exceed $200.

Michael