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Old 28th Jul 2011, 03:16
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aviatorhi
 
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I would suggest leaving the ignition in AUTO on the PT-6 in normal flight and using "ON" only in [actual, not perceived] moderate turbulence (or greater) and during takeoff/landing below 1500 feet. Using AUTO will make it kick it in automatically when Tq falls below a certain level (600 ft lbs I believe). The ignition on the PT6s differs from larger engines in one big way. Larger engines typically have 2 ignition systems, a high energy and a low energy system, the PT6 only has one system, and for all intents and purposes it should be treated as a high energy system, which means only use it if you have to.

As a side note, many pilots reduce power to idle routinely on that engine, it's good practice to leave it just high enough to prevent the ignition from running, the additional power is negligible and it helps extend the life of the igniters, while giving you a good degree of protection.

Last edited by aviatorhi; 28th Jul 2011 at 22:50.
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