What do magnetos do?

What do magnetos do?

• A. Magnetos generate high voltage to spark the spark plugs.
• B. They regulate fuel flow to the engine.
• C. They power the aircraft's electrical system when the alternator fails.
• D. They control the aircraft's hydraulic system.

Answer: (A)

Magnetos are part of the aircraft’s ignition system. They generate the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs, delivering a spark at the precise moment to ignite the air–fuel mixture in each cylinder. This ignition happens independently of the aircraft’s battery or alternator, because magnetos are engine-driven and self-contained, which is why starting and running can occur even if electrical power is lost. They do not regulate fuel flow, power the electrical system, or control hydraulic systems.

Magnetos are part of the aircraft’s ignition system. They generate the high voltage needed to fire the spark plugs, delivering a spark at the precise moment to ignite the air–fuel mixture in each cylinder. This ignition happens independently of the aircraft’s battery or alternator, because magnetos are engine-driven and self-contained, which is why starting and running can occur even if electrical power is lost. They do not regulate fuel flow, power the electrical system, or control hydraulic systems.