ElectroAir’s President, Michael Kobylick was pleased to confirm that his company recently received STC approval from the FAA to expand their current STC’s to do dual electronic ignition systems. Included in that STC approval was the approval to replace the Bendix-King single drive dual magneto for both four- and six-cylinder applications. Mr. Kobylick went on to say “this unit (pointing to a Bendix-King Magneto) has a very colorful history, no less than 9 AD (Airworthiness Directive) notes on it, frankly I consider it one of the more dangerous pieces that we brought into general aviation.”
Mr. Kobylick emphasized that what they’re approved for is dual electronic-ignition system requirements; two ignition systems with two trigger points, so both ignitions are separate, they’re not tied to each other; a mag timing housing is the first, and the second ignition system is triggered with what they call a crankshaft trigger wheel that mounts on the crankshaft just behind the prop flange underneath the flywheel.
For the four-cylinder Lycoming engine, there’s two forward journal bolts that we can grab on and put a bracket. In the six-cylinder application, the strategy is the same, using the mag timing housing to replace the dual mag and the second ignition triggered by the crankshaft trigger wheel up on the front of the engine. Mr. Kobylick added that “the rest of it’s just simply redundant components the four-cylinder dual magneto replacement kit retails for $4,995 the six-cylinder kit runs $6,995.” Integrated battery backup option is available, depending on the Ampere-hours you’re interested in retails for about $1,100. TCW Technologies manufactures the battery backup units, and as far as time to install, Mr. Kobylick acknowledged that while every aircraft is a little different, a four-cylinder installation shouldn't take a competent A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanic no more than two days, and possibly a little less for the six-cylinder install.
When asked about delivery schedules and when we might expect to see these units flying off the shelf, Mr. Kobylick stated “we are able to ship kits immediately”, adding that despite the supply chain issues that have been plaguing others in the industry, ElectroAir had been building their inventory in anticipation of receiving STC approval.
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