Ammeter

An electrical system instrument that displays the flow of current in the aircraft electrical system, showing whether the alternator is charging the battery (positive indication) or the battery is discharging to supply the electrical load (negative indication). A continuous discharge reading indicates the alternator has failed or the electrical load exceeds alternator output. Pilots should monitor the ammeter as part of the normal instrument scan, and a discharge indication in flight requires shedding nonessential electrical loads and planning to land before the battery is depleted.