Magnetos: The Art of Not Playing With Fire
In aviation, redundancy is essential, and magnetos are central to that principle. Even robust ignition components experience internal wear that may remain invisible well before the engine begins to show obvious misfiring or performance symptoms.
The life cycle of reliable ignition
Magneto maintenance must follow the current instructions applicable to the specific make and model. Typical maintenance programs may include:
- 500-hour inspection: many commonly used aircraft magnetos have manufacturer-specified 500-hour inspection requirements or recommendations. The applicable current maintenance manual or service instructions must be used to determine the exact interval and work scope for the unit involved.
- Overhaul: overhaul timing and scope depend on the magneto manufacturer’s current instructions, the specific model and the applicable engine or operator maintenance program. It should not be assumed that every magneto automatically shares the engine’s TBO.
Why approved maintenance expertise matters
Canadian Aviation Regulations section 571.02 addresses how maintenance and elementary work must be performed, including use of current manufacturer methods, techniques, practices, parts, materials, tools and test equipment or acceptable equivalents. Depending on the maintenance being performed and the aeronautical product involved, additional certification, organizational and specialized-maintenance requirements may also apply.
At Aéro Atelier, magneto work is controlled through shop procedures intended to support accurate, documented maintenance:
- Inspection and measurement: the applicable maintenance data and suitable calibrated tools are used for the task being performed.
- Authorized certification: maintenance release and shop certification responsibilities are assigned to appropriately authorized personnel within the approved organization.
- Release documentation: components are released with the documentation applicable to the work and regulatory context.
Protecting reliability and safety
Maintaining magnetos is not simply a matter of following a calendar. It requires using the correct data, inspecting the actual condition of the unit and performing the work within the applicable regulatory and manufacturer framework.
