SureFly

SureFly develops, makes, sells and supports electronic ignition systems for piston aircraft engines from Granbury, Texas. Its product is the SureFly Ignition Module, called the SIM. It is a solid state replacement for one traditional magneto.

The SIM usually replaces the left, impulse-coupled or starting magneto on most aircraft engines. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder versions are available for Lycoming and Continental engines. Replacing one magneto removes magneto maintenance and halves the related costs. SureFly says owners get zero maintenance, zero rebuilds and zero overhauls. The module needs a Slick style ignition harness, so owners who fit it in place of a Bendix magneto must source one. For pressurised or turbocharged engines, or flights above 10,000 feet, the company advises owners to call for harness advice.

A SIM has an operating service time of 2,400 hours, compared with 500 hours for a magneto. It has no mechanical parts that wear and needs no inspection or rebuild. It gives steadier and more accurate spark energy, and variable timing advance can save fuel. It weighs up to 2 pounds less than a Bendix magneto and uses little power. It controls timing at top dead centre below 400 rpm, and with longer spark dwell it makes starting easier and reduces wear on starters.

SureFly holds FAA approvals in the form of STCs. Its first engine STC came in October 2018, and its first airframe STC followed in February 2019. Both STCs have been amended to allow two SIMs on one engine. Installation instructions explain how to power the second unit. The company promotes an independent backup battery system from TCW Technologies where a dedicated battery is needed. Most single engine fixed-wing aircraft can use the advanced timing feature, and more aircraft will be added as the FAA extends the airframe approved model list. Installation guides can be downloaded, and the company invites shops to become installation specialists.

SureFly was founded in March 2015 by eight business partners who were already linked to Sky-Tec starters and Plane-Power alternators. It sold its first experimental unit in August 2016. The modules are hand built in Granbury from parts made mostly in Texas and Michigan. More than 10,000 SIMs are now in service around the world.

Services

• Electronic ignition modules (SIM)
• Magneto replacement
• Engine STC
• Airframe STC
• Installation support
• Installation specialist programme