Cross-armed, foot tapping, scowling aviators have been demanding electronic ignition for production aircraft engines ever since it became apparent in the automobile world that it increased power and engine efficiency and made starting easier. Plus, they don’t like having to yank magnetos for inspection, repair or replacement every 500 hours of engine operation—something not necessary with electronic ignition.
The good news has been that electronic ignition was developed to replace one mag on production aircraft engines several years ago—and the units have proven reliable in service while improving fuel efficiency and boosting dispatch reliability.