Electroair reported that it has earned a supplemental type certificate (STC) for an electronic ignition system for all Lycoming engines in Cessna singles—such as the models 152, 172, and 177. The new system replaces one of the two magnetos in those engines with a system that senses manifold pressure and rpm, and then uses an electronic controller to activate an ignition coil to produce hotter sparks and automatically advance timing according to altitude.
The system costs $3,400 for certificated airplanes and $2,000 for those in the experimental category. The Howell, Mich.-based company says it takes about four to six hours to install. Standard aircraft spark plugs may be used with the system, but because of the hotter spark, their gaps must be increased.
Electroair President Michael Kobylik said that compared to the standard dual-magneto installation, fuel savings of 10 percent to 15 percent may be realized with the new system. He said that the system produces a spark on both the compression and exhaust strokes, which in turn creates a cleaner-running mixture that minimizes spark plug fouling and carbon deposits.
Electroair says its system will soon be approved for other Lycoming engine installations. The company is now taking orders at EAA AirVenture.
