Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
After normal run-up; [we] experienced a total electrical failure. During startup we could tell the battery was low due to slow prop cranking but it fired fast. During run-up everything was normal per the laminated checklist. After takeoff clearance cleared for takeoff fly straight out; as I announced no more usable runway; positive rate; gear up; [the other pilot] selected gear up; whereupon electrical failure occurred. Both pilots verified total avionics failure. [We] verified 80 knots for upwind. At 3;000 feet we began right crosswind to downwind; keeping eyes on Tower. Remaining at 3;000 FT downwind; we began left circles midfield. [We] exchanged controls and verified the emergency checklists for electrical failure and gear down extension. Checking for Tower lights; during the 3rd circle I called Dispatch on cell phone to forward information to Tower on the situation. During the 4th circle we received a green light gun signal for landing. At approximately 100 FT we did a low pass for Tower to verify gear down. During go-around; I called Dispatch to verify and the Dispatcher forwarded the verification for gear down from the Tower. At midfield we received the 2nd green light gun signal. Executing normal approach and landing; I verified checklists out loud and airspeeds upon short final. The landing was uneventful. After clearing the runway using no brakes we received a green light gun signal and taxied straight into the ramp where maintenance personnel signaled to continue taxiing to the ramp.
Two pilots in a PA28 Arrow experienced a complete electrical failure after takeoff. They performed the appropriate checklist and circled the field anticipating tower light gun signals. One pilot used his mobile phone to relay information on their issues and requested landing gear position confirmation. They then received a light gun signal and landed normally. They reported to suspect that the new alternator had seized.