Engine Ignition System

  

The ignition system is one of the most important systems in the aircraft. It consists of four major components: two magnetos, spark plugs, ignition switch and ignition wires. Magneto operation is controlled by a five-position ignition switch which is located in the flight deck. The magneto uses a rotating magnet to generate the voltage required by the spark plugs to ignite the fuel/air mixture for combustion in the engine cylinders. Magnetos are typically geared to the engine and require no outside power to make them work. During normal operation, magnetos will keep the engine running even in the event of a loss of electrical power. This is due to the ignition system being completely independent of the aircraft’s electrical system and each magneto being independent of each other.



Why do they fail?

Failures in the ignition system can be identified during pre-flight checks, during and after flight checks and during scheduled maintenance. When both magnetos are selected, one indication of failure is low engine rpm; this will result in a decrease in engine power. Another indication is if the engine loses power or there is a significant decrease in engine rpm when one magneto is selected. The permissible decrease is listed in the Aircraft Flight Manual. This could be a result of fouled spark plugs, broken or shorted wires between the magneto and the plugs, or misfire of one or more spark plugs, or a complete failure of the magneto. This is a redundant system and if one magneto fails during flight, the pilot can perform an emergency landing to get repairs done.

How do we mitigate this?

Some ways to mitigate the problems that could occur with a failure in the system are doing preflight checks, inspection of the system and wires, and regular maintenance in accordance with aircraft technical documents. Experience plays a big factor in this, knowing the aircraft might give an indication of an impending failure.


References

Aircraft Systems - 03 – Engine. (2016), ERAU Special VFR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIdXLMVP6VU&list=PLzW-Ub1FWeZzdOHQhNK0U0Ci1a-VRH8IO&index=34

Aviation Safety Magazine, Magneto Management (2020), Retrieved

https://www.aviationsafetymagazine.com/aircraft_analysis/magneto-management/

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/

 

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