SureFly Electronic Ignition Review: A Comprehensive Look for Grumman Aircraft Owners

Introduction: Grumman aircraft owners are constantly seeking ways to enhance their aircraft’s performance while minimizing maintenance costs. One particularly effective upgrade that has gained traction in the aviation community is the SureFly Electronic Ignition system. This article presents a detailed analysis of the SureFly Electronic Ignition system, highlighting its significant cost savings, technical advantages, and overall value proposition for Grumman aircraft owners.

Technical Advantages of SureFly Electronic Ignition:

• Solid-State Electronics: SureFly Ignition Modules are built with solid-state electronics, eliminating the mechanical wear associated with traditional magnetos. This design choice contributes to the system’s reliability and longevity, reducing the likelihood of maintenance-related failures.
• Elimination of 500-Hour Maintenance: Unlike traditional magnetos that require disassembly and maintenance every 500 hours, SureFly Ignition Modules do not have this requirement. This eliminates the need for regular maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and associated costs.
• Consistent Spark Energy: SureFly Ignition Modules deliver a more consistent spark energy with higher accuracy compared to traditional magnetos. This consistent spark energy ensures reliable ignition and smooth engine operation, contributing to overall performance and efficiency.
• Precise Timing Control at Low RPM: SureFly Ignition Modules are designed to control timing at top dead center (TDC) below 400 RPM, ensuring optimal engine performance at low speeds. Combined with longer spark dwell and the option to use wider-gapped spark plugs, this feature makes starting the aircraft easier and minimizes wear on high-performance starters and electrical systems.
• Intelligent Timing Advance: SureFly’s intelligent timing advance system, controls spark advance up to 38º before top dead center (TDC) based on manifold pressure and RPM (engine power setting). This system optimizes combustion efficiency, leading to improved engine performance, reduced fuel consumption, and smoother operation.

Financial Analysis and Cost Comparison:

Initial Costs:

• • SureFly Electronic Ignition:
    • Purchase Cost: $1755
    • Installation Cost (Labor): $300 (3 hours at $100/hour)
    • Total Initial Cost: $2055
  • Champion 4371 Magneto:
    • Purchase Cost: $2100
    • Installation Cost (Labor): $200 (2 hours at $100/hour)
    • Total Initial Cost: $2300

Annual Fuel Savings Assuming Only 75 Flight Hours Annually:

• • SureFly Electronic Ignition:
    • Annual Fuel Savings (1 gal/h): 75 gallons/year (Grumman owners report .5 to 2.0 GPH)
    • Cost per Gallon of Fuel: $5.50
    • Total Fuel Savings: $412.50/year
  • Champion 4371 Magneto:
    • Annual Fuel Savings: N/A (fixed timing no savings)
    • Inspection and Servicing Costs (Over 2400 Hours):
  • SureFly Service Costs: $0.00
  • Champion 4371 Magneto Service Costs: $3040.00 (over 2400 hours)

Total Lifetime Savings vs. Champion 4371:

• • SureFly Electronic Ignition:
    • Initial Cost: $245.00
    • Fuel Savings: $13,200.00
    • Service Costs: $3,040.00
    • Total Savings: $13,690.00

Assumptions:

• • Fuel Prices $5.50/Gal, Labor $100.00/Hr, Average Inspection Fees $500.00 Shipping 60.00 for inspections are held constant at prices Jan5, 2024

Warranty and Support Comparison:

SureFly:

• • Warranty: 24 months
  • Support: Direct communication and troubleshooting over the phone
  • Repair/Replacement Process: Depending on diagnosis, the unit will be sent in for replacement or repair
  • Reachability: Easy to reach
  • Turnaround Time: Typically a week or less
• Champion Aerospace:
  • Warranty: Lesser of 24 months from date of manufacture, 12 months from installation date, or 500 hours of operation
  • Warranty Claim Process:
    • Requires filing a warranty claim form (Form L-1042) within 30 days of the ignition component becoming inoperative
    • Products and completed forms must be returned through a Champion Aerospace distributor with prepaid transportation charges

Warranty Summary:

• SureFly offers a straightforward 24-month warranty with direct support and a quick turnaround time of a week or less, providing convenience and peace of mind to purchasers.
• In contrast, Champion Aerospace’s warranty is complex, with conditions based on date of manufacture, installation date, or hours of operation. The warranty claim process involves filing a form within a strict 30-day window, and claims must go through a distributor. Champion Aerospace’s liability is limited, and the processing of claims may result in delays and inconveniences for purchasers.

Conclusion:

The SureFly Electronic Ignition system offers a compelling combination of technical superiority, financial savings and superior warranty benefits for Grumman aircraft owners. Its solid-state electronics, elimination of 500-hour maintenance, consistent spark energy, and precise timing control make it a superior choice over traditional magnetos. When considering the total cost of ownership, including initial purchase, installation, operational costs, and fuel savings, the SureFly Electronic Ignition system emerges as a cost-effective and reliable upgrade that enhances aircraft performance while reducing long-term maintenance expenses. By choosing the SureFly Electronic Ignition system, Grumman aircraft owners can not only benefit from its technical advantages and cost savings but also enjoy a seamless ownership experience with reliable warranty coverage and responsive support.

SureFly Owner Testimonials

Installation Surefly 4P Ignition Module