Aircraft Magnetos and Ignition
A piston aero engine has no electronic ignition in the automotive sense; it relies on one or two magnetos — engine-driven generators that produce their own high-voltage spark independent of the aircraft’s electrical system. That independence is the reason a magneto-ignited engine keeps running if the alternator and battery both fail in flight.
Magneto families
- Bendix — the legacy single-drive and dual-drive magneto. S-20, S-200, D-2000 / D-3000 dual magnetos.
- Slick (Champion Aerospace) — the 4200, 4300, 6200, and 6300 series cover most four- and six-cylinder piston aero engines. The most common OEM install on Lycoming engines since the 1970s.
- Surefly SIM — an electronic ignition replacement, STC-approved for a growing list of Continental and Lycoming engines. Eliminates the 500-hour inspection requirement and the impulse-coupling service.
Mandatory 500-hour inspection
Bendix and Slick magnetos require a teardown inspection at 500 hours of operation, with a complete replacement of the contact points, capacitor, and impulse coupling on applicable models. Deferred inspection is a discrepancy.
What to buy
- 500-hour service kit — the consumables bundle.
- Magneto exchange unit — a zero-time overhauled magneto with 8130-3, cost-competitive against a field overhaul plus labor.
- Ignition harness — Champion Slick harnesses are common; Bogert and Unison also supply.
- Spark plugs — see our Aviation Spark Plugs guide.
- Impulse coupling rebuild kit — for field overhaul by an appropriately rated shop.
Timing tools
E-50 timing light, buzz box, and the Eastern Technologies Time-Rite piston-position indicator are the standard shop tools. We stock these alongside timing specifications for common engines.
Shop magnetos
Search the catalog by your engine’s magneto P/N or browse via the Aircraft Finder. Not sure which magneto fits your serial? Email us.
