FAA Approves Electronic Ignition - Possible Avfuel Solution?

[Ernie Martin]

Aero-News.net reports that the FAA has issued the first Supplement Type Certificate (STC) for a pure electronic general aviation piston engine ignition system, and the company (Electroair) anticipates obtaining STCs for all six cylinder Continental engines over the next several months (the current STC is for all Lycoming four cylinder engines installed on Cessna Aircraft). The system may be part of the answer to changes in future aviation fuel and is said to have shown significant performance and economy improvements in over 2,500 units previously installed in experimental aircraft. The full report is at:
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?d...f-9b34e60fdc1f

Ernie

[CO_Skymaster]

I heard, that's really cool. Love Oshkosh. My only concern, when I explored the website was that a battery backup was needed incase ships power is lost. After watching the video, they said standard installation would replace a magneto and the EI would be primary, but one magneto would remain and take over incase all power is lost. That concept of keeping the engine operation during a full electrical outage is a very important factor for me.

Looking forward to more articles from Oshkosh.

Karl

[hharney]

Has anyone installed the Electroair mags on their Skymaster? Asking for a friend, he has a G model pressurized and would like to install the electronic ignition

[CO_Skymaster]

I plan to try during my next annual in January 2022 (if money permits). Ask me again after this date and I might have some info for you.

[mshac]

Surefly's model SIM6C electronic ignition is for our engines, and it costs $1895.

Their website: http://surefly.aero

The VP of Sales for SureFly is an acquaintance of mine. He lives near me. I met him buying a motorcycle he was selling. Nice guy. If anybody wants a connection to him, reach out and I'll introduce you.

[Piedmont85]

I'd love the contact, I sent a private message. Davis

[bjornfb]

> Has anyone installed the Electroair mags on their Skymaster?

Yes, I have the ElectroAir system on both engines of my P337. Love them. The engines run extremely smoothly and they are the easiest starting engines I’ve ever flown.

-Bjorn

[CO_Skymaster]

Bjorn,

Have you also experience better fuel economy and performance on takeoff and at cruise.

Those were the other things I was interested in. Glad to hear the easier starting works.

Karl

[bjornfb]

> Have you also experience better fuel economy and performance on takeoff and at cruise.

Karl, I can't say whether I've been getting better fuel economy as I didn't keep accurate enough records before. Same for performance: I actually changed my takeoff procedure shortly after I had the Electroairs installed to reduce stress on the engines: basically I'm using the airline style "just enough power" rather than the little airplane style "full power all the time". Since sometimes I take off at 90% power, sometimes 95%, and sometimes 100%, I don't have consistent enough data to say if the Electroairs helped there.

But I will repeat: I never, ever, have any trouble starting the engines now. Hot, cold, whatever, they just crank a couple turns and vroom they are running. Other pilots are jealous

Cheers,
- Bjorn