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RE: ACS/Gerdes key-type ignition switch

Subject: RE: ACS/Gerdes key-type ignition switch
From: Robert L. Nuckolls III <nuckolls@aeroelectric.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 07:50:15

>Gentleman,
>If I can put my 2 cents in...  The ACS Gerdes ignition switch is a great
>switch but.... there is an AD on the switch and I would comply with the
>AD if I were installing the switch in my airplane... It may help you
>from making an emergency landing.
>Bryan Files
>Ever Fly Maintenance
>Palmer, Alaska


  The AD against that switch is for replacment of the
  starter switch contacts and addition of a DIODE 
  across the switch contacts . . . or one can add
  the diode across the starter contactor coil
  as shown in all of our wiring diagrams.

  If you have a new switch of any age, it's just fine.
  You need to be sure there's an arc suppression
  diode or MOV in the sytem to keep the switch
  contacts from burning on the starter contacts
  only. In any case, there are NO effects on the
  magneto switching. If you have an switch already
  installed, but NO diode on your starter contactor,
  and the start function is working okay, don't 
  fiddle with the switch and simply add the diode.
  I don't understand why the Feds made this
  fix an AD . . . the probability of creating an
  inflight hazard is somewhere between very tiny
  and zero.

  If you haven't purchased an ignition switch,
  consider using two toggles and a push button
  to control mags and starter. It's less expensive,
  the switches look like they belong on the panel
  with all the other switches and you won't find
  yourself strapped in with the key still in your
  pocket. Key switches are a minor inconvenience
  to someone who wants to steal your airplane.
  Recall that once you have two engines, no TC
  airplane has a ring of keys dangling from the
  panel in flight much less two. You get inside
  the door on a twin and you've got the airplane
  (assuming you know how to fly it).

  The expense, panel space and inconveniences of
  a keyswitch are easily traded away with what
  has to be an infintesimal increase in the risk
  of theft.


       Bob . . .
                       ////
                      (o o)
       <  Independence Kansas: the     >
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