Electroair ignition system approved for turbocharged Lycoming series

Electroair, based in Howell, Michigan, said the approval includes turbocharged engine variants in the TIO-540, TIO-541, and TIGO-540 series of Lycoming engines, as well as the IO-580 and AEIO-580 series.

Additionally, Electroair was granted installation approval for the Continental O-300, GO-300, E-165, E-185, and E-225 series of engines.

This expansion brings Electroair’s approved model list to more than 400 models. The list is available on the company website.

Electroair Vice President and Chairman Peter Burgher also provided an update on the company’s anticipated supplemental type certificate for a hybrid magneto that will be a direct replacement for four-cylinder Bendix dual magnetos. The RC4000 series will use one electronic ignition with one mechanical ignition. The hybrid magneto uses a high-energy rotor to mechanically create energy that is supplied to individual coils at the cylinder. This allows for 30,000 to 35,000 volts of additional spark energy to be available for ignition.

The hybrid magneto also provides an extra 6 to 8 amps of DC power that can be used as a back-up generator. “This is a welcome addition as these legacy airplanes rely more and more on electronic instrumentation for normal operation,” the company said.

Electroair expects the hybrid magneto to be certified by the second quarter of 2019. Burgher said the cost will be $6,000 for two ignition systems—one hybrid, one electronic. Aircraft owners can place a $500 deposit for a priority place in line, he said. Additionally, owners will get a core charge refund when they return the dual magneto to Electroair, he said.