Magneto
What is magneto?
A magneto is a self-contained, engine-driven unit that generates electrical current to fire the spark plugs. Because it makes its own electricity from the spinning engine, it is completely independent of the airplane's electrical system (battery and alternator). Most aircraft engines have two magnetos for redundancy and more efficient combustion. Think of it as the engine's own built-in generator for ignition—the engine keeps running even if the electrical system fails.
Also known as: mag, magnetos
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