An aircraft magneto is, most simply, an electrical generator that produces an alternating current using permanent magnets and coils. Aircraft engine spark plugs are fired by the high voltage produced by aircraft magnetos.
Aircraft magnetos are used for their simplicity and reliability. They are often found in pairs in piston aircraft engines, even though there is already usually an electrical supply in aircraft engines. This is because aircraft magneto ignition systems are more reliable than battery coil systems. They are also compact and operation requires no external electrical source.
Aircraft piston engines have two ignition systems that are independent from each other. This means that there are two spark plugs per cylinder and a left and right aircraft magneto. Each magneto fires one plug per cylinder, producing a smoother and more complete combustion of the fuel mixture. This also provides ignition redundancy should one of the aircraft magnetos fail.
Quality Aircraft Accessories stocks a wide variety of aircraft magnetos including dual magnetos and Bendix magnetos. Browse their selection of aircraft magnetos here, or visit their resource page here.
 Bendix Magneto Part#: 4301 |
 Bendix Magneto Part#: 10-163045-6 |
 Bendix Magneto Part#:10-163005-2 |
 Bendix Dual Magneto Part#: 10-382555-11 |
