AMP - Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Practice Exam

What are the safety advantages of a dual ignition system in piston engines?

1. It decreases fuel consumption

2. It increases reliability by providing a backup ignition system

3. It improves maintenance ease

4. It reduces engine vibrations

The correct answer is: It increases reliability by providing a backup ignition system

A dual ignition system in piston engines is designed primarily to enhance safety through increased reliability. By incorporating two separate ignition systems, if one fails, the other can continue to operate and ensure that the engine remains running. This redundancy is particularly critical in aviation, where engine failure can have serious consequences. Reliability is further enhanced as the dual systems allow for better combustion efficiency and the possibility of improved engine performance overall. In addition, should one spark plug or ignition system develop an issue due to wear or malfunction, the pilot can still rely on the other system without immediately losing engine power, providing an additional layer of safety during flight. While the other options touch on aspects of engine performance or operation, they do not directly address the core safety benefit that the dual ignition system provides. For example, reducing fuel consumption is not a direct advantage of dual ignition; rather, it's typically influenced by other factors like engine tuning and aerodynamics. Likewise, ease of maintenance and reducing engine vibrations, while important, are not the primary safety-related attributes that a dual ignition system brings to piston engines.