magneto madness: pilot safety meeting
DESCRIPTION
Our March safety meeting on why pilots need to know and understand magnetos. What are they and how do they work? Find out here . . .TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Magneto Madness
Steve Berube, A&P
Magneto Madness
Steve Berube, A&P
TakeWING Safety Meeting
www.takeWINGInc.com
541-895-5935
TakeWING Safety Meeting
www.takeWINGInc.com
541-895-5935
![Page 2: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
The Magic of MagnetosThe Magic of Magnetos
We will discuss (and tell stories about)….
How a magneto works (at a simple level)
How magneto knowledge will make you a safer pilot
Why the P-Lead can kill you
What to look for during run-up
What to do if the engine begins running rough in flight
We will discuss (and tell stories about)….
How a magneto works (at a simple level)
How magneto knowledge will make you a safer pilot
Why the P-Lead can kill you
What to look for during run-up
What to do if the engine begins running rough in flight
![Page 3: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Close encounters?Close encounters?
What & when was your first encounter with a magneto?
What & when was your first encounter with a magneto?
![Page 4: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Everyday machinesEveryday machines
Lawn mowerChain sawOutboard boat motorWeed eaterLeaf blowerMini-bikeGo-cart
Any small portable gasoline engine uses a magneto.
Lawn mowerChain sawOutboard boat motorWeed eaterLeaf blowerMini-bikeGo-cart
Any small portable gasoline engine uses a magneto.
![Page 5: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
Magnet
Magneto
Magnetism
Magnetism fundamentals
Magnet
Magneto
Magnetism
Magnetism fundamentals
![Page 6: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Magnetic MadnessMagnetic Madness
Magnetic FieldLines of FluxMagnetic FieldLines of Flux
![Page 7: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Magnetic Properties Magnetic Properties
Magnetic Field ConcentrationMagnetic Field Concentration
![Page 8: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Magnets and ElectricityMagnets and Electricity
Magnetic Induced Electricity
Wire passing through amagnetic field creates electricity.
![Page 9: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
ElectromagnetismElectromagnetism
Electromagnetism
Magnetic Field
Electricity flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field.
![Page 10: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
Automotive Ignition Systemsput the Magnetos into context.
Automotive Ignition Systemsput the Magnetos into context.
![Page 11: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Automotive Ignition SystemAutomotive Ignition System
Battery
12 Volts
Spark PlugsIgnition Wires
Distributor
Coil
Step-upTransformer
(12 Volts to 20,000 Volts)
Rotor
Points
Ignition Switch
Speaking of SparksSpeaking of Sparks
![Page 12: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Ignition Coil
(Electromagnetic Induction & Step-up Transformer)
Ignition Coil
(Electromagnetic Induction & Step-up Transformer)
BatterySwitch
Coil
Step-upTransformer
(12 Volts to 20,000 Volts)
PrimaryCoil
SecondaryCoil
200 turns 13,000 turns
12V
20,000V
Ignition SystemsIgnition Systems
![Page 13: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Automobile DistributorAutomobile Distributor
Rotor
Points
Ignition systemsIgnition systems
![Page 14: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Coil
Distributor
Spark Plug
Coil
Distributor
Spark Plug
Ignition SystemsIgnition Systems
![Page 15: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Automotive Ignition SystemAutomotive Ignition System
Battery
12 Volts
Spark PlugsIgnition Wires
Distributor
Coil
Step-upTransformer
(12 Volts to 20,000 Volts)
Rotor
Points
Ignition Switch
Ignition SystemsIgnition Systems
![Page 16: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Aircraft Ignition SystemAircraft Ignition SystemMagnetos
Spark Plugs
Ignition Harness
No Battery!!
Ignition Switch
Auto to AirplaneAuto to Airplane
![Page 17: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Aircraft EngineAircraft Engine
Aircraft Ignition SystemAircraft Ignition System
![Page 18: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Aircraft Ignition SystemAircraft Ignition System
Magneto
Rotor
Coil
Points
Magnet
Distributor
P-Lead
The Magnetreplaces the
Battery
Aircraft Ignition SystemAircraft Ignition System
![Page 19: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Aircraft MagnetosAircraft Magnetos
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
![Page 20: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
Magnetic CircuitMagnetic CircuitCoil
MagnetIron
Pole Shoes
![Page 21: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Rotating Magnet MagnetoRotating Magnet Magneto
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
![Page 22: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Rotating Magnet MagnetoRotating Magnet Magneto
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
![Page 23: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Magneto Ignition SystemMagneto Ignition System
& MAGNET
& MAGNET
Ignition Switch
On
P-Lead
PrimaryWinding
SecondaryWinding
![Page 24: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Aircraft Ignition SystemAircraft Ignition System
Spark Plugs
Magnetos Ignition Harness
No Battery!!
![Page 25: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
MagnetosMagnetos
• The ignition system is completely independent of the aircraft electrical system.
– If the aircraft electrical system were to fail the engine would continue to run!
• A spinning magnet induces current in the primary coil. This current creates an electromagnetic field around the primary coil. The current is interrupted by a set of breaker points, causing the primary coil magnetic field to collapse. The collapsing field induces current in the secondary coil which generates a high voltage spark. The spark is directed through the distributor via the rotor to the proper spark plug.
• The ignition system is completely independent of the aircraft electrical system.
– If the aircraft electrical system were to fail the engine would continue to run!
• A spinning magnet induces current in the primary coil. This current creates an electromagnetic field around the primary coil. The current is interrupted by a set of breaker points, causing the primary coil magnetic field to collapse. The collapsing field induces current in the secondary coil which generates a high voltage spark. The spark is directed through the distributor via the rotor to the proper spark plug.
![Page 26: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Rotating Magnet—MagnetoRotating Magnet—Magneto
• Aids To Starting
• Magnetos provide a good, hot spark at idle, at cruise, and at high speed.
• But not when the engine is turning slowly during start.
» Impulse Coupling
• Aids To Starting
• Magnetos provide a good, hot spark at idle, at cruise, and at high speed.
• But not when the engine is turning slowly during start.
» Impulse Coupling
![Page 27: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Provides momentary high rotation speed and a retarded spark for engine startingProvides momentary high rotation speed and a retarded spark for engine starting
Impulse Coupling
Impulse CouplingImpulse Coupling
![Page 28: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Impulse couplingRetarded SparkImpulse couplingRetarded Spark
Intake Compression Power Exhaust
BTDC ATDC
![Page 29: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Inside the Impulse CouplingInside the Impulse Coupling
Body
Coil Spring
Flyweight Cam
![Page 30: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Impulse CouplingImpulse Coupling
![Page 31: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
OK, so what does all this magneto stuff mean to the pilot?OK, so what does all this magneto stuff mean to the pilot?
Magneto MadnessMagneto Madness
![Page 32: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Understanding Your ChecklistsUnderstanding Your Checklists
• P-Lead ground (pre-flight)– During pre-flight always spin the prop backwards
(except Rotax 912)!– Broken P-lead, poorly grounded P-Lead, or faulty
ignition switch will leave the magneto HOT!
• Run-up /Before Takeoff Checks– Magneto Safety Check (ignition switch test)
• Idle RPM, turn ignition switch from “both” to “off”• Listen for complete cutting off of the engine• Engine cut off indicates proper P-lead connection and
ignition switch operation
• P-Lead ground (pre-flight)– During pre-flight always spin the prop backwards
(except Rotax 912)!– Broken P-lead, poorly grounded P-Lead, or faulty
ignition switch will leave the magneto HOT!
• Run-up /Before Takeoff Checks– Magneto Safety Check (ignition switch test)
• Idle RPM, turn ignition switch from “both” to “off”• Listen for complete cutting off of the engine• Engine cut off indicates proper P-lead connection and
ignition switch operation
Ignition System Operational Ignition System Operational
![Page 33: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Magneto Safety Check (con’t)Run-upMagneto Safety Check (con’t)Run-up
“Both” to “Right” and “Both” to “Left” — what should the Tachometer do? Here’s what five POHs said.
“Both” to “Right” and “Both” to “Left” — what should the Tachometer do? Here’s what five POHs said.
Notice the RPM between left and right magnetos, the difference between the magnetos should not exceed 50 RPMNotice the RPM between left and right magnetos, the difference between the magnetos should not exceed 50 RPM
A slight RPM drop approximately the same on each magneto. Regardless of the drop, the engine should run smoothly.
A slight RPM drop approximately the same on each magneto. Regardless of the drop, the engine should run smoothly.
1. 100 RPM drop max.
2. RPM drop should not exceed 125 RPM on either magneto or 50 RPM
differential between magnetos.
3. Drop off on either magneto should not exceed 175 RPM.
4. The difference between the magnetos should not exceed 50RPM.
5. 200 RPM maximum drop, 50 RPM maximum differential
![Page 34: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Magneto Checks (con’t)Magneto Checks (con’t)
• Run-up checks (con’t)– Magneto Operation Check
• Rapid RPM drop or rough engine may indicate a fouled spark plug or faulty ignition harness
• Slow RPM drop is usually caused by improper timing or valve adjustment
• Excessive RPM differential between the mags indicates a difference in timing between the left and right magnetos.
• Absence of RPM drop indicates a defective P-lead ground connection
• If the engine is rough regardless of the magneto setting then the problem may not be ignition, but an air intake leak or valve train problem instead.
• Run-up checks (con’t)– Magneto Operation Check
• Rapid RPM drop or rough engine may indicate a fouled spark plug or faulty ignition harness
• Slow RPM drop is usually caused by improper timing or valve adjustment
• Excessive RPM differential between the mags indicates a difference in timing between the left and right magnetos.
• Absence of RPM drop indicates a defective P-lead ground connection
• If the engine is rough regardless of the magneto setting then the problem may not be ignition, but an air intake leak or valve train problem instead.
![Page 35: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Common Causes of Engine Roughness—Before TakeoffCommon Causes of Engine Roughness—Before Takeoff
– Spark plug fouling• A slight engine roughness found before flight
may be caused by one or more spark plugs becoming fouled by carbon or lead deposits.
• This may be discovered by turning the ignition switch momentarily from BOTH to either L or R position to determine if one mag is “rougher” (greater than expected RPM drop) than the other.
• Assuming that spark plugs are the more likely cause, increase RPM then lean the mixture to the recommended lean setting. Enrich the mixture again and retest. If the problem does not clear up within one or two attempts to clear the spark return the aircraft to the school for maintenance.
– Spark plug fouling• A slight engine roughness found before flight
may be caused by one or more spark plugs becoming fouled by carbon or lead deposits.
• This may be discovered by turning the ignition switch momentarily from BOTH to either L or R position to determine if one mag is “rougher” (greater than expected RPM drop) than the other.
• Assuming that spark plugs are the more likely cause, increase RPM then lean the mixture to the recommended lean setting. Enrich the mixture again and retest. If the problem does not clear up within one or two attempts to clear the spark return the aircraft to the school for maintenance.
![Page 36: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Causes of In-Flight Engine RoughnessCauses of In-Flight Engine Roughness
– Magneto malfunction• A sudden engine roughness or misfiring is
usually evidence of magneto problems. Switching from BOTH to either L or R ignition switch position will identify which magneto is malfunctioning. Select different power settings and enrich the mixture to determine if continued operation on BOTH magnetos is practicable. If not, switch to the good magneto and proceed to the nearest airport for repairs.
– Magneto malfunction• A sudden engine roughness or misfiring is
usually evidence of magneto problems. Switching from BOTH to either L or R ignition switch position will identify which magneto is malfunctioning. Select different power settings and enrich the mixture to determine if continued operation on BOTH magnetos is practicable. If not, switch to the good magneto and proceed to the nearest airport for repairs.
![Page 37: Magneto madness: Pilot Safety Meeting](https://reader038.vdocuments.mx/reader038/viewer/2022102900/54b4eae44a795994458b4624/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Magneto Madness
Thank you!
Magneto Madness
Thank you!
TakeWING Safety Meeting
www.takeWINGInc.com
541-895-5935
TakeWING Aviation Club and Maintenance Center
TakeWING Safety Meeting
www.takeWINGInc.com
541-895-5935
TakeWING Aviation Club and Maintenance Center